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ALABAMA AS IT IS: 



OR, 



"^HE Immigrant's and Capitalist's Guide 
Book to Alabama. 



FUKNISHING THE MOST ACCURATE AND DETAILED INFORMATION 
CX3NCERNING THE VARIED ELEMENTS OF WEALTH IN ALA- 
BAMA, WHETHER OF MINE, FIELD, OR FOREST, TO- 
GETHER WITH CAREFULLY PREPARED MAPS 
AND CHARTS ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE 
NUMEROUS ADVANTAGES POS- 
SESSED BY THE 
STATE. 




Rev. B. "F. RILEY, D. D. 



AXXJPTED BY THE SXATE BY AN ACT APPROVED FEBRUARY 28, 1887. 



SECOND KDITION. 



ATLANTA, OA. : 
Constitution Publishing CoMPAjnr. 
1888. 

i 



Alabama As It Is, or the Immigrant's and Capitalist's Guide 
Book to Alabama, undertakes to meet a demand which has long 
•existed. Valuable works upon the varied resources of the State 
have been published, but they have not met the popular demand 
for a systematic treatise, and one written in the language common 
to the people. 

Either these works have been restricted in their treatment, or 
they have so abounded in technical terms, that, irrespective of the 
importance of the matter which they have contained, the manner 
of conveying it has generally been such as to make it of little 
interest to the average reader. It has been the aim of the author of 
this little work to write for the people, and to clothe every subject 
touched upon in such language as to make it not only interesting, 
but a matter of profit to the average reader. Hence, all techni- 
cal terms have been eschewed. It is believed that the learned who 
may chance to read the book will not object to this, while the man 
unfamiliar with scientific phraseology will appreciate it. The vol- 
ume is the result 61 much labor, extending through several years. 
To secure the most authentic information, required an extensive 
correspondence with reliable citizens in every county in the State, 
and involved much travel and research on the part of the writer. 
Attention is directed to the systematic arrangement of the volume. 

The State is divided into four grand divisions, viz : The Cereal, 
Mineral, Cotton and Timber Belts. A general description of the 
prevailing characteristics of each belt is given, and that is followed 
by a description of each county in the following order : Date of 
formation, after whom or what named, population in 1870 and 
1880, number of whites and blacks, area, number of acres of tilled 
land, how divided among the products, production of cotton, 
topography of the county, its fruits, minerals, timbers, streams, 
chief towns, railroads (finished or projected), schools, churches, 
prices of land, and number of acres of Government lands. 



iv 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Special attention has been given the places of interest and cen- 
ters of population in the State. Their advantages have been clearly 
pointed out, and whatever facilities they possess for future devel- 
opment have been fairly indicated. 

Important chapters have been added upon the river ways, health" 
fulness, and educational system of Alabama. The two last" 
named items are matters of important inquiry to the seekers of 
homes. They are entirely authentic, the chapter upon The Health 
of Alabama having been prepared by R. D. Webb, M. D., a 
native Alabamian, a gentleman of scientific research and an ex- 
president of the State Medical Association. The one upon The 
Educational System of Alabama was prepared by the Superin- 
tendent of Education of the State, Hon. Solomon Palmer. 

The work throughout has been done with the most scrupulous 
and painstaking care. There has been no straining after facts, no 
guess-work, and no disposition to conceal the disadvantages of any 
section. The author begs to acknowledge his indebtedness to the 
latest Manual and Statistical Register of Hon. Joseph Hodgson ; 
The Handbook of Alabama, by Saffold Berney, Esq.; The Geo- 
logical Survey of Dr. Eugene A. Smith, State Geologist ; and The 
Survey of the Warrior Coalfield, by Professor Henry McCalley, 
Assistant State Geologist. 

Indebtedness is also acknowledged to the many gentlemen who, 
from the different counties, replied with promptness to applica- 
tions for information and for numerous expressions of encourage- 
ment while the work was being prosecuted. Arduous and pro- 
tracted as the labor has been, it has been attended with the hope 
that it might contribute to the development of the resources of 
Alabama. 

Marred as it doubtless is by defects, the little volume is sent 
upon the mission for which it was designed — that of guiding cap- 
italists and seekers of homes to the investigation of the claims of 
Alabama. 



NOTK. 



So wide-spread and continued has been the desire to procure 
information concerning the advantages of Alabama, that the 
Department of Agriculture has found it necessary to supply the 
demand with a new^ edition of Riley's Alabama As It Is, or 
Immigrant's and Capitalist's Guide Book to Alabama. 

By reason of the continued development in the varied depart- 
ments of industry in the State, it has been found necessary to 
revise the work so as to bring it down to the present time. With 
this end in view, there was issued from the Department a circular 
letter, a copy of which, together with a copy of the Guide Book, 
was sent either to the Judge of Probate, or some other eminent 
citizen in each county in the State, with a request that the descrip- 
tion of the county be revised and returned promptly to the office 
of the Commissioner of Agriculture. It was further stated that 
unless the matter should be in hand by a specified time it w^ould 
be taken for granted that no change was needed. Slight altera- 
tions were made in several of the counties, some were more com- 
prehensively revised, so as to embrace the improvements of the 
last three years, while others still remained untouched. Mean- 
while the latest map of the State, and one indicating all the new 
and projected raiUvay lines, was procured for insertion in the new 
edition. 

With this valuable work thoroughly revised, the State has a fair 
and full exponent of its countless advantages. The first edition 
of 5,000 having been so speedily exhausted, orders for many of 
which were received from every section of the Union, and even 
from Europe, the Department deemed it necessary to issue not 
less than 25,000 copies of the new edition. 

For the information of all parties interested, the Constitution of 
Alabama has been added to the old edition. 

A decided advantage will be found in the Alphabetical Index 
with which the work is supplied. 

R. F. KOLB, 
Commissioner of Agriculture. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



An old tradition represents an Indian warrior as having grown 
weary of the bloody strifes of some eastern rejgion, and as having 
resolved to seek a more quiet abode in the far-off land toward the 
setting sun. Making his way over swollen rivers and through 
tangled forests, he came at length to the fertile lands and clear 
streams of Alabama. Charmed by the tokens of plentitude and 
the romantic scenery, pictured in the blooming valleys, the limpid 
streams, the boundless plains, and the high mountains, he reso- 
lutely struck his spear into the earth, saying, "Alabama!" which, 
being interpreted, is said to mean, " Here we rest. " 

Out of the mists of this favorite tradition there looms the truth 
of Alabama's greatness — her inexhaustible resources of soil and 
mine, of field and forest, her balmy climate, her wonderful health- 
fulness, and her sweeps of extended beauty. 

It may be safely said that no portion of the globe, of the same 
compass, affords a greater diversity of resources, mineral, agri- 
cultural, horticultural, and otherwise, and to a greater extent, than 
that embraced within the limits ot Alabama. Her soils have never 
refused to yield any production known to the Temperate Zone, 
while along the shores which front the warm waters of the Gulf 
many tropical fruits are grown with the greatest readiness. And 
such is the capability of the soils that they yield, usually, in vast 
abundance, and sometimes even to the most indolent culture. 

The developments which have been going on for a period ot 
years in the mineral districts of Alabama have established the fact 
that, with respect to certain ores, she leads the other States of the 
Union. This is most notably true respecting her vast iron depos- 
its. Through the agency of capital and skill the State has come 
rapidly to the front as a great manufacturing centre. Side by side 
He her fields of coal and her domains of iron. Thus, it will be 
seen, that the State has been most liberally endowed by Nature 
-with all the conditions favorable to manufacture and agriculture. 
The profusion of her elements for the manufactory is simply mar- 



8 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



velous, and her cotton fields have won a distinction that is world- 
wide. The staple grown upon Alabama cotton fields commands 
a dominant price in the markets of the world. Throughout the 
entire length of her territory, from the utmost northern limits to 
the waters of the Mexican Gulf, there are found the resources of 
a great commonwealth. 

The magnificent wheat and corn valleys that lie along the base of 
the Cumberlands, or that follow the windings of the Tennessee ; 
the high hills, with their treasures of ore ; the orchards of delicious 
fruit ; the plains of snowy cotton ; the illinjitable forests of giant 
timber, which have, for so many years, contributed to the lumber 
markets of the globe, and the groves of orange that dot her south- 
ern shores — all these attest the greatness of Alabama's resources. 

POSITION. 

Alabama lies one-fourth the way around the globe west from 
Paris, France, and is in the same latitude as Northern Africa, Pal- 
estine, Central China, and Southern Japan. 

OUTLINE. 

The boundaries of Alabama may be described in the following 
manner : Beginning where the parallel of thirty-one degrees north 
latitude crosses the Perdido River ; thence eastward with this par- 
allel to the west bank of the Chattahoochee River ; thence north- 
ward along the west bank of the last-named river to the great bend, 
next above the mouth of Uchee Creek, in Russell county ; thence 
in a direct line toward the town of Nickajack, on the Tennessee 
River, to the parallel of thirty-five degrees north latitude ; thence 
west along, this parallel, to its second intersection with the thread, 
or middle line, of the Tennessee River ; thence up the river to the 
mouth of Big Bear Creek ; thence in a line to a point on Bucka- 
tunna Creek, where the old Choctaw boundary line intersects the 
same ; thence in a line to a point on the coast of the Gulf of Mex- 
ico, ten miles east from the mouth of Pascagoula River ; thence 
eastward along said coast, and embracing all islands within eigh- 
teen miles of the shore, to the mouth of Perdido River ; thence up 
the thread of this stream to the point of beginning. 

AREA. 

The State has an area of 50,722 square miles, which renders it 
larger than New York, Rhode Island and Delaware combined. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



9 



When measured from east to west, the general width of the State 
is 175 miles, while its estimated length from north to south is 275 
miles 

POPULATION. 

The increase of population has been so rapid within the last fevr 
years that it is difficult to state just now what it is. According to 
the census of 1880, it was 1,262,505. It will scarcely fall short of 
one and a half millions now. 

GENERAL TOPOGRAPHY. 

The termination of the Appalachian mountain chain in North- 
ern Alabama renders that portion of the State rough and rugged, 
but there are no mountains of any considerable height. The ele- 
vations rarely excel 2,000 feet above the sea level. 

In Central Alabama there are found prevailing the foothills of 
these northern ranges, together with the rolling prairies, and the 
upper belt of the pine barrens. In the southern portion of the 
State there is a gentle slope along a sandy coast plain to the waters 
of the Gulf 

EXTENT OF SEACOAST. 

•Alabama has about sixty miles of seacoast. 

SOILS- 

The soils of the State are of every possible variety, ranging, in 
point of fertility, from the thinnest sandy land to the richest allu- 
vial. Along the sand mountains in the north, as well as along the 
southern shore, the soils are thin, but by no means sterile, while 
the famous Tennessee Valley and the canebrake regions of Central 
and Southern Alabama have depths of marvelous fertility. 

CLIMATE, 

Favored in many respects, Alabama is, perhaps, most highly 
favored in her superb climate. Such is the temperature of the 
State that the extremes of heat and cold never prevail. The 
influence of the mountains in the northern end of the State tones 
into blandness the heat of summer, while for many miles inland, 
the cool breezes from the waters of the Gulf fan away the sultry 
breath of summertide. Snow but seldom falls, and only thin coat- 
"ings of ice are seen. The exceptions to this statement are 
exceedingly rare. The streams of x\labama are not frozen over. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Flowers blossom, fruits ripen, and vegetables prevail almost the 
year round. The mean annual temperature of the State is sixty- 
one degrees ; the mercury but rarely ranges above ninety-five 
degrees e\en in July— the hottest month of the year. During the 
heated term the mercury ranges from sixty degrees to one hundred 
and four degrees ; and, during the cold season, from eighteen 
degrees to eighty-two degrees. 

The question is frequently asked by Europeans and Northerners, 
Can white men labor under a summer sun in the Stales of the 
South?'' The answer is found in the fact thafe thousands of white 
men do labor beneath the suns of the South, even as far down as 
Florida. And, in addition to this, it may be said that white men 
labor with remarkable success in midsummer in the Northern States, 
where the heat is greater, and the days longer ; and what is there 
to prevent them laboring in the South, where there is less heat, 
and the days are shorter, and the nights of more refreshing cool- 
ness. Observations on temperature, made by scientists since 1819, 
have been preserved in the Smithsonian Institution, and from time 
to time published. Of late years, these reports have been trans- 
mitted by its secretary to the Agricultural Bureau, and have been 
embodied in its report. From an examination of these tables, and 
a careful comparison, it will be seen that the climate is more favota- 
ble for the laboring man in the South than in the North. True, 
the Northern summer is short — much shorter than in the South — 
but it is much hotter while it lasts. In one of his reports, Professor 
Henry, of the Smithsonian Institution, states this fact, in the fol- 
lowing way : ' ' For, though there is absolutely more heat at the 
latitude of New Orleans, during the year, than at Madison, Wis- 
consin, yet there is more heat received at this latter place during 
the three months of midsummer than in the same time at the for- 
mer place. " 

Of the whole number of laborers now employed in the South in 
the tillage of cotton, it is estimated that fully one-fourth are white 
men. 

NATURAL DIVISIONS. 

So marked are the differences between the several sections of the 
State, that it is susceptible of four grand divisions, each of which 
possesses a dominating characteristic. These sections will be called » 
the Cereal, Mineral, Cotton, and Timber Belts of Alabama. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



THE CEREAL BELT. 

This section extends across the northern boundary of the State 
from east to west, and embraces the famous Valley of the Tennessee 
and its tributaries. It comprises eight counties, viz : Lauderdale, 
Limestone. Madison, Jackson, Marshall, Morgan, Lawrence, and 
Colbert. The general surface of this region is even, but occasional 
projections of the Cumberland spurs break the prevailing uniformity. 
The soil is quite fertile, being usually of a reddish cast. This red- 
dish hue in the soil is due to the mixture of iron in the sandstone. 
While this section is distinguished as the Cereal Belt because of 
its marvelous yield of grain and grasses, still these are not the 
exclusive productions of the counties which have already been 
mentioned under this head. For many years cotton has been 
extensively raised upon these famous red lands, and is to-day rival- 
ing the cereals in its production. But cereals thrive in this tier of 
counties in the richest profusion, and as a consequence, the rais 
ing of stock is quite easy and profitable.' Corn, wheat, oats, bar- 
ley, and rye are the chief productions of the Cereal Belt. The 
hardier fruits grow here to great perfection. Pears, apples, 
peaches and grapes are produced in great abundance every year. 
For several years past there has been a growing disposition on the 
part of farmers of this section to devote more time to stock-raising. 
This has necessarily induced the production of clovers and grasses, 
and thus there has sprung up a new branch of industry. The 
improvement of breeds and the enlargement of herds are on the 
increase from year to year. 



THE TENNESSEE VALLEY. 



The great Valley of the Tennessee sv/eeps directly through the 
cereal section. This valley is, by odds, the most charming region 
in all the State. So impressed was a competent and impartial 
judge with its grandeur that he pronounced it the most lovely 
region upon which his eyes had ever rested. He had seen all the 
splendid regions of land whose fertility and beauty had made them 
famous throughout the United States ; he had beheld the plains of 
Texas, when clad in their vernal loveliness ; the plains of Illinois, 
the bluegrass regions of Kentucky, the Miami Valley of Ohio, the 



12 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Skenandoah Valley of Virginia, the Genesee Valley of New York, 
and yet he regarded the beautiful Valley of the Tennessee the love- 
liest of all. It is divided in tw^in by the magnificent river of the 
same name, and extends the distance of well-nigh 200 miles. Its 
average width is about twenty miles. It reaches from Georgia on 
the east to Mississippi on the west. In its native fertility, its soil 
is unsurpassed. It is a goodly land well-watered with springs and 
fountains and flashing streams, which gush out in icy coldness 
from beneath the hills and mountains. It is walled in by moun- 
tain ranges, both on the north and south, which protect it alike 
from the cold blasts of winter and the hot waves of summer. 
Along the south side of the valley and within twenty-five miles of 
the Tennessee River, lies the famous Warrior coalfield. Skirting 
the northern edge of this coalfield, in the foothills of the moun- 
tains, are to be found some of the most magnificent developments 
of iron ore known to the State. And along the bosom of the valley 
itself are to be found limestones of almost every conceivable 
variety, many of them being of the purest quality. 

On the northern edge of the valley, near its eastern termination 
in Walker county, are to be found all those beds of coal which are 
developed upon the plateaus of the Cumberland Mountains in Ten- 
nessee. In the mountains, on the opposite side of the valley, are 
to be found the coal measures of the Warrior coalfield. 

At the experimental station of the Agricultural and Mechani- 
cal College of Alabama, estabhshed in North Alabama some years 
ago in order to test the capabilities of the soil and illustrate the 
productiveness of different crops, it was fully demonstrated that 
clover and timothy, herd, orchard, and bluegrass, could be quite 
as successfully grown in this section of Alabama as in the most 
favored regions of Kentucky. This, together with the sponta- 
neity with which wild grasses and clovers spring and thrive, tully 
establish the fact that it is a region admirably adapted to stock 
raising. 

Near the town of Courtiand, in Lawrence county, is to be seen 
the splendid residence of Colonel Saunders, who has one of . the 
most magnificent vineyards on the continent. It embraces almost 
every variety of grape known to American fruit growers, and the 
development attained by the fruit is perfect. 

Near the western terminus of the valley is to be found a bed of 
oolitic limestone, which is extensively used in Memphis for orna- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



13 



mental marble work. From the fragments is manufactured first- 
class lime, which is shipped to the principal cities along- the Mis- 
sissippi River. 

Upon the uncleared lands in the valley, and along the banks of 
the Tennessee River and its tributaries, as well as along the slopes 
of the neighboring mountains and foothills, are to be found mag- 
nificent forests of timber, comprising the noblest specimens of oak, 
walnut, poplar, hickory, and indeed all of the hard woods ; while 
the undergrowth abounds in dogwood and pawpaw. 

Near the western end of the valley, on its southern side and that 
section which is now penetrated by the new railroad from Sheffield 
to Birmingham, are to be found some of the most extensive beds 
of brown iron ore of the purest quality. 

Thus, in this brief sketch, will be seen an aggregation of the 
advantages possessed by the famous Valley of the Tennessee. 

Let us now turn our attention directly to the counties of the 
Cereal Belt, every one of which is found in the Valley of the 
Tennessee. 



LAUDERDALE COUNTY. 

Lauderdale county is situated in the northwestern corner of 
Alabama, and is joined on two sides by the States of Mississippi 
and Tennessee. It was one of the first sections of Alabama settled 
by the whites, and was organized as a county before the State was 
constituted. It was established in 18 18, and named for the famous 
Indian fighter, Col. Lauderdale, of Tennessee. As has been fully 
indicated by the description given of the Tennessee Valley, 
Lauderdale is located in one of the most fertile regions in the 
State. It has an area of seven hundred square miles. 

Population in 1870, 15,091 ; population in 1880, 21,035 i white, 
14, 173 ; colored, 6,862. 

Tilled Land — 102,839 acres. Area planted in cotton, 26,594 
acres; in corn, 42,890 acres; in oats, 4,609 acres; in wheat 8,475 
acres; in rye, 262 acres; in tobacco, ,105 acres; in sweet potatoes, 
467 acres. 

Cotton Productio7i — 9,270 bales. 

Thus it will be seen that within ten years the population of the 
county had increased seventy per cent. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Lauderdale has a diversity of soil, as is abundantly indicated in 
the variety of crops grown. In the northern portion of the county 
the surface is somewhat more uneven than is that in the southern 
end. The prevailing soil in the northern portion is of a grayish 
hue, but yields quite readily. In the south the lands are reddish 
in character. This is due to the presence of iron. These lands 
are quite fertile, and though some of them have been in cultivation 
seventy-five years, they are still productive without the aid ot 
fertilizers. West of Florence, in a great bend of the Tennessee 
River, is a large body of valley land, known as the Colbert Reserva- 
tion. It is overspread in different directions by some of the finest 
farms found in this section of Alabama. These valley lands, when 
fresh, will produce as much as one thousand pounds of seed cotton 
to the acre. The most of the cotton grown in the county is raised 
upon the red valley lands, and the product per acre is considerably 
above the average. 

The chief crops of the county are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, sor- 
ghum, and sweet potatoes. Apples and peaches are grown in vast 
quantities in the orchards. These are the chief fruits, though other 
fruits are grown with success when they receive proper attention. 
This is especially true of the grape. Wild fruits such as hickorynuts 
and berries grow in large quantities. 

The chief pursuits of the people are farming, stock-raising, and 
manufacturing, to all of which the county is admirably adapted. For 
many years, the single pursuit was that of planting ; but the superb 
water-power of the county, and the abundant fuel, suggested the es- 
tablishment of manufactories long before the beginning of the war. 
Cotton and wool factories were accordingly established, as well as 
manufactories of leather. 

At this period Lauderdale was, perhaps, in advance of any other 
portion of the State in its manufactories. It is believed to be the 
pioneer county in establishing manufacturing interests. But these 
industries perished amid the ravages of war, and have been but 
partially resuscitated. The Cypress Mills, near Florence, have 
been partially rebuilt, and a cotton factory has been established on 
Cypress Creek, and is now being successfully operated by water. 
There is a large and flourishing corn and flour mill in the town o 
Florence. The county is abundantly supplied with perpetual 
streams of water. Shoal, Cypress, Blue Water, Bluff and Second 
Creeks flow through the county from the north. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



15 



Skirting the southwestern boundary of the county is Elk river. 
Besides these, there are many bold fnountain springs, containing 
both Hmestone and freestone water. There are springs in several 
parts of the county that have medicinal properties, the most noted 
of these being Bailey's Springs, but a short distance from the town 
of Florence ; though Taylor's Springs have a local reputation. 

In every part of the county are to be found local industries, such 
as gins, and grist and saw mills. 

There are forests of valuable timber in every part of Lauderdale. 
These comprise several varieties of oak, poplar, chestnut, beech, 
hickory, walnut, cherry, and short-leaf pine. The forests, in 
many places, are heavily wooded with these valuable timbers. 
Facilities for transportation of products to market are already good, 
but are destined to be greatly increased at no remote period. 

A railroad already unites Florence, the county-seat, with the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad at Tuscumbia. Packets ply the 
year around on the Tennessee River between Florence and Cin- 
cinnati, Louisville and Evansville, and when the canal around the 
Muscle Shoals shall have been completed b}^ the Government, 
water transportation can be enjoyed hundreds of miles up and 
down the river. Recognizing the importance of this location, rail- 
road men are projecting different lines and systems in this 
directioli. Already the Nashville & Florence Railroad is being 
built from Columbia, Tennessee, to Florence, Alabama. Another 
important line is expected soon to be in active operation between 
Clarksville, Tennessee, and Florence. When these shall have 
reached completion, Lauderdale county will possess facilities for 
transportation equal to those of any other county. 

The educational advantages of the county are superior. In the 
town of Florence there are two schools of a high grade — the State 
Normal School, for which there is an adequate annual appropria- 
tion, and the Synodical Female College. Both of these institu- 
tions of learning have superior faculties, and the schools are liber- 
ally patronized. Throughout the entire county there are good 
local schools^ affording all the educational facilities necessary for 
common-school instruction. These schools are supported by all 
the moral influence that comes of long established and well-regu- 
lated society. The people afe law-abiding and thrifty, and the 
tone of society is elevating. 

Itt the northern portion of the county, adjoining the State of 



i6 



' ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Tennessee, are to be found excellent deposits of iron ore. The 
extent of the prevalence of this ore is not known, as it has been 
only partially developed. In the southeastern part of Lauderdale 
is a valuable cave of saltpetre. It is located upon .Elk River. 

The chief towns of the county are Florence, the county seat, 
— with a population of 2,500, — Lexington, Rodgersville, and 
Waterloo. 

FLORENCE 

excels all other places for beauty of location. One hundred and 
fifty feet above high water, on a gently rolling plateau sloping 
toward the river, excellent drainage, pure and salubrious atmos- 
phere, springs of pure water on every side ; the view in every direc- 
tion is grand and picturesque, with the magnificent Tennessee 
River flowing at its base, navigable for the largest class of steam- 
boats, with packet lines to St Louis, Cincinnati, Evansville, and 
Paducah. 

There is no healthier spot in all the land. The records show a 
total exemption from malarious diseases. Indeed, the mild tem- 
perature, pure air and water, and good society, make Florence a 
desirable resort, both summer and winter, from the extreme heat 
of the South and the rigorous cold of the North. 

The Memphis & Charleston, Sheffield & Birmingham, and 
Nashville & Florence railroads, with their connections, afford 
quick and direct communication with every part of the country, 
and when several other railroads now projected, and some in 
course of construction are completed, Florence, on the Tennessee 
River, must become a great distributing point of the commerce of 
the South. 

The State Normal College, Florence Synodicai Female College, 
and Mars Hill Academy, besides the public and private schools, 
afford every facility for educating the white children, and there 
are two excellent schools for colored children, taught by their 
own people. 

Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopal, Catholic and Christian 
denominations have churches, or places of worship, where regular 
services are held. The Baptist and Cumberland Presbyterians are 
preparing to build churches. In no town can greater harmony or 
better Christian feeling be found than among the churches of 
Florence. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 1 7 



The State, county and corporation taxes are low. The county 
and town owe no debts, and generally have a surplus in the treasury. 

Within twenty miles north of Florence are immense beds of 
brown hematite iron ore, which yield from 54 to 60 per cent, of 
metal. The phosphorus in this ore is so little that the best experts 
in iron-making say by the Bessemer process it can be converted 
into steel from the furnace at a cost of ^3.00 less than steel can be 
made at any furnace in the Ohio Valley. Steel nails can be made 
at twenty-five cents less cost, per keg, than at Wheeling, or any 
other of the great nail factories in Ohio or Pennsylvania. The 
Nashville & Florence Railroad, just completed, connects Florence 
with these ore beds. 

The ore at Birmingham is the red variety, and they send twenty 
miles north of Florence to St. Joe for the brown ore to mix with 
the red to produce a better grade of metal, but the brown ore 
makes a fine grade of metal without mixing. The "Muscle 
Shoals" Canal, above Florence on the river, requires but a small 
amount of work to complete it, and it, is thought that it will be 
thrown open in a few m.onths' time. This will give Florence direct 
communication also with the steel-making ores of East Tennessee 
and the immense coal fields below Chattanooga on the river, con- 
taining coal in veins from thirty to sixty inches in thickness, thus 
furnishing coal and iron almost without limit to supply the 
furnaces, rolling mills, and other industries locating there. 

In the fierce competition which has now commenced in the pro- 
duction of cheap iron, Florence, on the Tennessee, by virtue of 
her proximity to other ores not found in other localities, possesses 
advantages which cannot be equaled. 

The Tennessee River is the basal line of the future iron indus- 
tries centering in the coal and iron region which it penetrates, 
giving the cheapest transportation and abundant water supply for 
steam manufacturing. Florence, owing to her remarkable geo- 
graphical location, will necessarily concentrate the bulk of the 
industries along the line of this great waterway, the Ohio, Tennes- 
see, and Mississippi Valleys, opening up an immense territory for 
the exportation of the manufactured products and importation in 
exchange. 

We therefore submit to a candid public these incontrovertible 
facts : 



1 8 ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



1. Iron can be made more cheaply and profitably in Alabama 
than elsewhere in the United States. 

2. Pig iron can be manufactured at Florence at from one to two 
dollars less cost per ton than at any other point in the State. 

3. Iron can be transported to St. Louis from Florence at one 
dollar per ton, or less. 

4. Limestone, in inexhaustible quantities, is found at Florence. 

5. It requires two to three tons of red hematite to produce one 
ton of pig metal. One and one-half tons of brown hematite yield 
one ton pig. 

6. Florence is nearer by rail to all parts of Alabama, Georgia, 
Eastern Mississippi, South Carolina, and Florida, and considerable 
part of East Tennessee, than any point on the Tennessee River. 
By means of short lines of railroad -Florence is destined to become 
the supply depot — the distributing point for western produce — for 
all that vast area of country, and her water transportation to the 
Mississippi, Missouri, and Ohio Valleys guarnantees cheap trans- 
portation at all times to the principal markets of the country. 

The coal fields of Alabama cover an area of 5,000 square miles, 
and are south of Florence, within easy reach. They are now- 
reached by the Sheffield & Birmingham, the Louisville & Nash- 
ville, and the Mobile & Ohio Railroads. In a short time another 
railroad will be built direct from Florence through the entire War- 
rior coal measures. Coal is also obtained from East Tennessee by 
the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and in barges by the river. 
Another source of supply is by the Louisville & Nashville from the 
Kentucky mines. 

To the south of Florence, in Walker County, are the vast War- 
rior coal fields. To one unacquainted with the geology of Ala- 
bama a true description of the quality and vast extent of these 
coal fields would sound like the wild dream of fancy. 

Mark this : In his last annual report our State Geologist says : 

' ' Allowing 1,000,000 tons of coal per square mile for every foot 
in thickness, the sum total of coal in the workable seams within 
Walker County is, according to the above estimate, about 10,600,- 
000,000 tons, which would form a solid block of coal ten miles 
long by ten miles wide by one hundred feet high. Granting, for 
various reasons, one-half of this coal of the workable seams of 
Walker County is not available, which is a most liberal discount 
for every imaginable cause, there will still remain $,300,000,000 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



19 



tons of mineable coal, which, with a daily output of 5,000 tons, 
cannot be exhausted in 3,000 years. The workable coal of Walker 
County may therefore be said to be practically inexhaustible so 
far as we are concerned. As a class these coals are bituminous 
coals, and they burn freely and are well suited for gas-makmg. " 

The country north of Florence, in Wayne and Lawrence Coun- 
ties, Tennessee, is practically in its primeval state so far as the 
timber is concerned. Immense poplar, white oak, maple, hickory, 
pine, cherry, walnut, and chestnut-oak trees cover the hills and 
valleys, and can be had at very low figures. 

Immense forests of chestnut-oak in the mountain counties, con- 
tiguous to the railroads, can be purchased at from $2 to ^5 per 
acre. 

Quarries of beautiful marble are found in a few miles of Florence 
in close proximity to the railroad. Building stone, limestone and 
sandstone are found all over the country. 

The great variety of pure clay suitable for making firebrick, 
earthenware, pottery, tableware, building brick, tiling, etc., can 
be found in close proximity. 

In no country do the lands give to the intelligent and industri- 
ous farmer a more sure and profitable return for the labor bestowed. 
There is always a good average crop — never an entire failure. The 
lands are adapted to cotton, corn, tobacco, oats and other small 
grain, and every variety of grasses. Springs of water and clear 
creeks with gravel bottoms can be found upon almost every farm. 
Lands are cheap. Improved farms can be bought at $Z to $2Q 
per acre. 

The vast area of open lands north of Florence afford excellent 
grazing for cattle and sheep for nine months of the year. 
. The country roads are good and firm, and kept in good condition. 

The people are hospitable and kind. Northern people will meet 
with no jealousies or indignities. The animosities of the war aYe 
all buried and nearly forgotten. Very little of politics are ever 
mentioned, and no man is ostracised because of his political senti- 
ments. A man is esteemed according to his moral, intellectual 
and industrial worth — not for his political sentiments. 

Within the last twelve months there have been located in Flor- 
ence — 

Three Saw Mills ; Four Brick Yards ; Water Works ; One 
Electric Light ; One Pump Factory ; Three Planing Mills ; One 



20 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Steam Laundry ; One Street Railroad ; One Handle Factory ; One 
Cotton Compress ; One Furniture Factory ; One large Stove Foun- 
dry ; One Shoe and Boot Factory ; One Cracker and Candy Fac- 
tory ; One Building and Loan Association ; Three Lumber and 
Contracting Companies ; One Wooden Dish Factory (capacity, 
75,000 daily) ; Two 150-ton Blast Furnaces, now in process of 
construction, and will be in blast during the year. 

And other companies have been organized for some large and 
important industries, which will, no doubt, be erected this year. 

Though the population is rapidly increasing with the location 
of manufactories there, and the attraction of capital and enter- 
prise to the place, values of real estate are low, and rich returns 
will surely follow the investment of capital there now. Houses 
are in demand, and those built for rental are rented before com- 
pleted. Good lots can be had at $^ and $10 per front foot. 

All desiring to move South are invited to come and investigate. " 
The Florence Land, Mining and Manufacturing Company will 
take pleasure in answering fully all letters of inquiry, but a per- 
sonal visit and full inspection of the advantages and resources of 
the place are asked, and is much more satisfactory, and a cordial 
welcome will be extended to all who come, and they will be shown 
around and given every means of satisfying themselves. In the 
selection of a business location a pleasant home is also desirable, 
and no place in the South offers more pleasure and comfort in this 
respect than Florence ; with her warm-hearted, hospitable people, 
a society not chaotic, but already settled, an educational center, 
churches already established, abundance of pure water, wide streets, 
with beautiful shade trees and comfortable and attractive houses, 
it presents the picture of a charming and comfortable home place, 
whose every feature speaks welcome to the stranger, and offers hirq 
the restful comforts which are so necessary to an active and busy life. 

The Florence Railroad and Improvement Company offer liberal 
inducements and free sites to industrial enterprises to locate in 
Florence. They invite correspondence. With water-power from 
the hills and mountains, with a climate^ the brace of which can 
not be excelled, even in midsummer, with superior society and 
schools, Lauderdale offers rare advantages to those seeking homes. 
Lands may be purchased in the county at prices ranging from $5 
to;^i5 per acre. There are 16,000 acres of Government land in 
Lauderdale County. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



21 



LIMESTONE COUNTY. 

This county lies directly north of the Tennessee River. It is 
one of the first counties formed in the State, having been created 
while Alabama was yet a territory. Its area is* 590 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 15,017; population in 1880, 21,600. White, 
11,637; colored, 9,963. 

Tilled Land — 129,477 acres. Area planted in cotton, 44,334 
acres; in corn, 44,612 acres; in oats, 4, 134 acres; in wheat, 7,561 
acres ; in rye, 234 acres ; in tobacco, 107 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 
417 acres. 

Cotto7i Production — is, 724 bales. 

Limestone has all the varieties of soil which belong to the Ten- 
nessee Valley. 

The southern portion of the county exceeds in fertility that of 
the northern. The southern has a jnore uniform surface, and is 
capitally adapted to the growth of all the cereals. The lands in 
this section are almost entirely cleared, and are in a fine state of 
cultivation. The bottom lands which skirt the nnmerous streams 
are exceedingly fertile. Notwithstanding Limestone has long been 
recognized as one of the chief cereal counties of the State, and 
still is, the farmers are turning their attention more every year to 
the production of cotton. In 1880 the county produced 15,724 
bales. Indeed, the conclusion has been reached that the county 
is as well suited to the growth of cotton as to that of corn. Since 
the close of the war and the emancipation of the slaves, about 
one-tenth of the land has been abandoned. It is easily reclaimed, 
however, and it is as fruitful as formerly. The poorest land in 
Limestone is susceptible of the highest degree of fertilization. 

More and more attention is being turned to stock raising. The 
grasses usually grown for stock are produced here in the greatest 
perfection, and the most sanguine expectations of stock-raisers 
have been realized. The finest pasture lands can be had here, the 
value of which is greatly enhanced by the multitude of streams 
which penetrate every part of the county. Great encouragement 
has been given stock-raisers, year by year, to improve the charac- 
ter of their breeds. 



22 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Except upon the lowlands and near the rivers, the county is 
wonderfully healthy, and along the ridges adjoining these basins 
excellent places of residence can be had. Formerly these ridges 
were dwelling places of the wealthiest farmers in the county, while 
they cultivated the lands in the bottoms. Along these knolls, as 
almost in every part of the county, fine water is found, together 
with a salubrious climate. 

In many parts of the county are forests of timber in which are 
found hickory, poplar, chestnut, red and white oak, beech, maple, 
red and white gum, ash, walnut and cherry. 

Along the southern border of the county runs the Tennessee 
River, several of the large tributaries of which penetrate the ter- 
ritory of Limestone. Elk River flows through the northwest, and 
at certain seasons is navigable for light crafts. This stream will 
be of vast local advantage when the obstructions are removed 
from the Tennessee. Big, Poplar, Round Island, Swan, Piney,, 
Limestone and Beaver Dam Creeks streak the county in every 
section with waters of perpetual flow. These are reinforced by 
many large springs in the mountain and hill regions. Mineral 
springs also exist, and are said to be equal to any in the State. 
The streams abound in remarkably fine fish, vast quantities of 
which are caught every year. 

No great public industries have as yet been established, but a 
number are in contemplation, both at Athens and Rowland, on the 
Louisville & Nashville Railroad. Energy, skill, and capital are 
needed to make Limestone what it is by nature fitted to become — 
a great manufacturing as well as an agricultural region. 

As yet but little attention has been given the mineral products 
of Limestone. Valuable specimens of lead have been discovered 
in the Elk River hills. In some portions of the country there have 
been discovered outcroppings of iron ore, as well as fine specimens 
of coal. Slate has been found to exist in vast quantities, though 
it has failed thus far to attract public attention. Silver ore has also 
been discovered, but it is not known to what extent it exists. 

The county is highly favored in its facilities for transportation. 
It is divided in twain from north to south by the great Louisville 
and Nashville Railroad, which brings it into easy and rapid com- 
munication with New Orleans on the south and the great cities of 
the West on the north. 

Fruits grown along these valleys find a ready market in the cities 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



23 



of the Northwest, into commercial relations with which this section 
is brought by means of its excellent railroad facilities 

Along the southern portion of the county runs the Memphis 
& Charleston Railroad, which affords a competing line to the pro- 
ducers of the county. 

The social advantages of Limestone are those which belong to 
the best regulated society of the South. The people are hospit- 
able and are prompted by a most generous disposition. Schools 
of varying grades exist in different parts of the county. In Ath- 
ens, the county-seat, which has a population of about 1,200, there 
are several schools of high grade. Churches, usually of the Meth- 
odist, Presbyterian and Baptist denominations, prevail. 

The other chief towns are Mooresville, Elkmont and Rowland. 
The last named point is a new town with promising importance. 
Lands may be purchased in some sections for ^5 per acre ; in others 
they will cost much more, being dependent upon the fertility and 
location. 

Limestone contains within its territory 5,000 acres of land belong- 
ing to the general government. 



MADISON COUNTY. 

The county of Madison was the second created in the State, 
having been formed as early as 1808. It was named in honor of 
President Madison 

The county has long sustained the reputation of being one of 
the most inviting regions of the State. Its salubrious climate, fertile 
soil, agricultural resources, picturesque scenery, and refined society 
♦nvest it with such charms as make it one of the most desirable 
sections for residence in the State. Its area embraces 872 square 
miles. 

Population in 1870, 31,268 ; population in 1880, 37,625. White, 
18,591; colored, 19,034. 

J tiled Land — 213,221 acres. A rea planted in cotton, 72,838 
acres; in corn, 69, 246 acres ; in oats, 6,^^/ acres; in wheat, 12,- 
578 acres; in rye, 174 acres; in sugar cane, 58 acres ; in tobacco, 
324 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 839 acres. 

Cotton Production — 20,679 ^^l^s. 



24 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Madison is the banner county of the Cereal Belt. In wealth 
and in the production of cotton it leads all the others. In shape, 
it is almost square. The soils of the county vary in different por- 
tions. In the northern and northwestern parts the lands are broken, 
and are composed of white and yellow clay soils. But the partial 
barrenness of the soil is amply atoned for by the exuberant 
resources of water and pure air. These sections are regarded as 
being- exceedingly healthful. Higher up, and around the headwa- 
ters of E^lint River, there are found some fine tracts of red clay soil 
and an abundance of excellent timber. The eastern part of the 
county is mountainous, affording superior farming lands -in the 
intervening valleys. Between the main branches of Flint River, 
extending northward nearly to the southern limit of Tennessee, are 
some of the most desirable farming lands in the county. That 
portion of the land which lies along the Tennessee River, in the 
southern part of Madison county, is remarkably fertile and is 
thickly populated. In the mountainous portion of the county, 
eastward, are found farms which are devoted to raising clover, 
small grain, and stock. 

Madison county occupies medium ground between the tropical 
and temperate-producing regions, with many characteristics peculiar 
to each. While its soil yields cotton quite readily, it is not equal 
to that grown in the Cotton Belt. The average annual yield of 
cotton in the county is about 20,000 bales. But there is a grow- 
ing disposition on the part of the farmers to forsake cotton and to 
adopt stock-raising and the production of cereals and grasses ex- 
clusively. This can be effected, however, only with a change of 
the system of labor 

But, notwithstanding the great yield of cotton, Madison is one of 
the largest corn-producing counties in tht State. The wheat crop 
is annually increasing, and twenty-five or thirty bushels per acre 
is not considered an unusual crop, on good land. The soils of the 
county are specially adapted to the growth of clover, tobacco, 
rice, peas, and potatoes. Dairy and orchard products are receiv- 
ing considerable attention, and their production shows a large 
annual increase. 

With a population of nearly 40,000, the cotton crop of Madi- 
son is estimated at ^1,000,000; the corn crop about the same; 
peas and beans, fto,ooo; potatoes, $100,000, and horses, cattle 
and sheep nearly ^1,000,000. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS 



25 



Adjacent to the mountains, the soils are admirably adapted to 
the cultivation of vineyard and orchard products. Great and 
rapid strides have already been made in th^ direction of horticul- 
ture. 

Coal has been discovered in the northern portion of Madison, 
and arrangements are being made to mine it. Iron is believed 
also to exist. 

The county is abundantly supplied with water. The Tennessee 
River forms its southern boundary, while Flint River and its trib- 
utaries water the greater portion of the northern and eastern por- 
tions of the county. The Flint is a stream of remarkable clear- 
ness and swiftness, and affords excellent facilities for manufactur- 
ing purposes. Besides these streams, there are Limestone and 
Hester's Creeks, and Indian and Spring Mountain Forks. Paint 
Rock River forms the county boundary on the southeast. 

The immense water-power of the county, its abounding timber, 
and its splendid climate are attracting repeated accessions of pop- 
ulation, and the increase would be greater if its attractions were 
more generally known. 

Madison county combines, perhaps, as many advantages as any 
other in Alabama. No causes for local disease exist, and her ele- 
ments of wealth are in close proximity. About one-half of its 
surface is covered with forests, some of which overspread the 
mountain slopes, but can be easily hewn and transported. 

The timber is chiefly post, black, white, Spanish and blackjack 
oaks, beech, poplar and sugar maple. Like many other sections 
of the State, wanton depredations have been made upon these 
noble forests, and some of the staple timbers have been almost 
entirely destroyed. This is especially true of the poplar, the finest 
specimens of which crown the densely wooded slopes of Madison ; 
yet, a sufficiency remains for farming and building purposes. The 
timbers of the county are so distributed as to be accessible to 
almost every farm. 

The Memphis & Charleston Railroad extends through the entire 
width of the county, east and west. This places it into easy com- 
munication with •the Louisville & Nashville line, or, at Chatta- 
nooga, with the several roads converging there. The Nashville, 
Chattanooga & St. Louis, and Talladega & Coosa Valley Rail- 
roads also penetrate the county. The Louisville & Nashville sys- 
tem have a projected Hne. 



26 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



When the Muscle Shoals enterprise shall have been completed 
the Tennes see will afford one of the grandest water-ways on the 
continent. • 

Manufacturers have, as yet, received but little attention in the 
county. It has two flourishing cotton factories — one located in 
the city of Huntsville, and the other ten miles distant on Flint 
River. 

Perhaps in no county in the State is more attention devoted to 
the matter of education than in Madison. Schools of excellent 
grade are to be found throughout the county. In the city of 
Huntsville are two female colleges and a male school of repute. 

HUNTSVILLE. 

Huntsville, the county seat, with a population of 5,000, is, in 
every respect, one of the most inviting cities in the South. It 
has been long noted for the elevated tone of its society and for 
its spirit of progressiveness. Its picturesque location, architect- 
ural beauty, shady walks and macadamized streets ; its public 
buildings, handsome church edifices, superior hotels and mammoth 
spring, make it exceedingly attractive as a place of residence. 

Monte Sano, a charming resort on the mountain summits near 
the city, is one of the most delightful places in the land. It has 
a princely hotel and has become quite a summer resort. Its salu- 
brious climate, pure mountain water, refreshing breezes and superb 
scenery, make it among the most desirable resorts in the Union. 

Huntsville was the temporary State capital in 18 19. It was in 
this city that the convention, in 18 19, which formed the first State 
constitution, met, and here, in the same year, assembled che first 
Legislature of the newly-created State of Alabama. 

New Market, Maysville and Madison are thriving towns. 

Men of energy, thrift, and enterprise, whether with or without 
capital, would be cordially welcomed to this county. FaciHties 
for accumulation abound here for the manufacturer, the agricul- 
turist, or the horticulturist. 

I_^nds can now be had for from $S to ;^I5 per acre, with an 
epward tendency in valuation. 

The number of acres of Government land in the county is esti- 
mated at 30,000. 



ALABAMA AS JT IS. 2/ 



JACKSON COUNTY. 

This county takes its name from the hero of New Orleans. It 
was constituted in 1819, the same year of the admission of Ala- 
bama into the Union. Its resources in soils, minerals and timbers 
are both varied and abunfant. While even prior to the war some 
activity was displayed in developing its coal deposits, the wonder- 
ful abundance of these was not fully recognized until within the 
last few years. Its area is 990 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 19,410 ; population in 1880,25,114. White, 
21,074; colored, 4,040. 

Tilled Land — 123,924 acres. Area planted in cotton, 19,685 
acres; in corn, 60,285 acres; in oats, 8,241 acres; in wheat, 
10,051 acres; in rye, 347 acres; in tobacco, 99 acres ; in sweet 
potatoes, 592 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,235 bales. 

The surface of Jackson is not so level as that of the adjacent 
counties, but its valleys are wonderfully fertile, and its hills and 
mountains are full of the richest ores. It is doubtful whether the 
county can be surpassed by any other in the State in the diversity 
of its elements. 

The Tennessee River runs in a southw^esterly direction through 
Jackson, and divid s it into two distinct sections — Raccoon Moun- 
tain on the southeast, and the spurs of the Cumberland Mountains 
on the northwest. The width of the valley, which slopes grad- 
ually to the Tennessee River,' is about four miles, being wider on 
the northern than on the southern side of the stream. The soil 
in the valley is quite fertile. Ascending to the summit of the 
ridges from the river, one stands upon extensive table-lands, 
the uniformity of whose surface is relieved by occasional dips of 
the soil which mark the presence of mountain streams. When 
these streams issue from the mountains, they often present wild and 
picturesque scenes. The lands along these plateaus, while not so 
rich as those lying contiguous to the river, are yet productive and 
easy of cultivation. The soils are of a light gray and yellowish 
color. These lands have long been regarded as quite valuable, 
because of their excellent pasturage facilities. 



28 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Northward from the Tennessee River the surface of the country 
becomes more and more broken, but more abundant in its valua- 
ble stones, and in its bold, refreshing springs which burst innu- 
merably from the craggy hills. 

This suggests the vast abundance of water with which the county 
is supphed. In some respects Jackson leads all the other counties 
in the Tennessee Valley in the production of cereals, while it falls 
behind others in the production of cotton. Corn, oats, wheat, 
rye, tobacco, sweet potatoes, wool, sorghum, honey and butter 
are chief among its manifold productions. Peas, apples, peaches, 
grapes and berries grow almost to perfection. Along the slopes 
of the hills of Jackson county are found splendid orchards of 
peaches. There is a steady growth of interest in stock-raising. 
Along the high table-lands of the county are numerous small farms 
which are surrounded with all the evidences of plenty and con- 
tentment. The streams are the Tennessee and Paint Rock Rivers, 
and Big and Little Raccoon, Mud, Widow, Big Crow, Jones' 
Santa, Big Lanne, and Williams' creeks, and Hurricane and-Lar- 
kins' Forks. Besides these, numerous mountain springs abound, 
the water of which is pure and perpetual. The county is unex- 
celled in its water supply. The hills and mountain flanks are 
densely wooded, while some of the alluvial valleys are still uncleared 
and are covered over with valuable timber. On the uplands are 
found black and red oaks, pine, cedar, and hickory. Along the 
valleys are found poplar, ash, maple, beech, walnut, sweet 
gum, cherry, and giant white oak. Indeed, both upon the table 
lands and in the valleys, many of the forests remain in their virgin 
state. They extend along the broad and deep streams of the 
county, and timbers hewn from them may be easily rafted. The 
inclination of the different water courses is such as to favor the 
erection of manufactories, and for local demands, such do exist. 

Facilities for transportation in Jackson county are admirable. 
The Tennessee River flows the entire length of the county, and 
gives a river front of at least sixty miles. Its numerous tributaries, 
which reach every section of the county, are of sufficient size to 
accommodate the use of light boats, and such are employed for 
local trade during the seasons of greatest rainfall — the winter and 
spring. Running almost parallel with the deep-flowing Tennessee, 
though some distance from it, is the Memphis & Charleston Rail- 
road, while across the upper portion of the county runs the Nash- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



29 



ville & Chattanooga Railroad. Numerous towns of importance 
are springing up along these lines of transportation. Along the 
Nashville & Chattanooga Railroad are Long Island, Bridgeport, 
Bolivar and Stevenson. On the Memphis & Charleston Rail- 
road are Fackler, Bellefonte, Scottsboro, the county seat, Lar- 
kinsville, Limrock, Woodville, and Paint Rock. 

Commensurate with the growth of population and of mineral 
wealth is the growth of the spirit of education. " The county has 
several prominent institutions of learning, all of which are in a 
flourishing condition. William and Emma Austin College, at 
Stevenson, is a useful and popular institution ; and the Scott Col- 
lege, at Scottsboro, a school for males and females, is in a thrifty 
condition. In all the towns and villages are local schools. 

The mineral products of Jackson are coal and iron, while the 
supply of marble and limestone is unlimited. Coal abounds both 
in the Cumberland and Sand Mountains. These ranges traverse 
the county twenty or thirty miles. From one of the numerous 
caves in the county is obtained saltpetre. It was used by the Con- 
federate authorities during the civil war. In several parts of the 
county are mineral springs-, containing water of superior quality. 

"There are several industries in the county which have attained 
considerable local prominence. Among these are the Belmont 
mines, situated twelve miles west of Scottsboro. In the town of 
Scottsboro are numerous steam and saw-mills, and a hub, spoke, 
and felly- factory. There are facilities of industry afforded in Jack- 
son county, the variety of which, perhaps, is not surpassed by 
that of any other county in Alabama. 

With a favorable climate, diversified soil yielding every variety 
of farm product, exhaustless supplies of water, vast quantities of 
ore, superior facilities for transportation, and excellent social advan- 
tages, the county is destined to be one of the most populous in 
the State. 

Lands can be obtained in the county at "prices ranging from $S 
to $2c,, according to their fertility and location. 

There are in Jackson county 40,000 acres of government land, 
which are, in part, subject to entry. 

Settlers from the West have, in a number of instances, come in 
and occupied these lands, and have established neat and thrifty 
farms. 



30 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



MARSHALL COUNTY. 

Marshall county was organized in 1836 and named in honor of 
Chief Justice Marshall, of Virginia. It partakes of all the general 
characteristics which belong to the counties clustering along the 
north and south banks of the Tennessee River, and forming the 
great Cereal Belt of Alabama. While it is called a cereal county, 
its soils and resources are so varied that it takes on many other 
eatures. The area of the county is 560 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 9,871 ; population in 1880, 14,585. White, 
13,084; colored, 1,501. 

Tilled Land — 68,175 acres. Area planted in cotton, 16,412 
acres ; in corn, 27, 1 13 acres ; in oats, 3,471 acres ; in wheat, 5,797 
acres in rye, 150 acres; in tobacco, 48 acres; in sugar-cane, 51 
acres ; in sweet potatoes, 243 acres. 

Cotton Production — 5,358 bales. 

Marshall county is about equally divided by a valley which cuts 
it in twain from northeast to southwest. Along the line of this 
valley flows the Tennessee River as far as Guntersville, the county 
seat, when it turns northwest. The valley lands of the county 
are, for the most part, level with occasional undulations, and con- 
stitute the most attractive farming districts of the county. They 
have been in cultivation for many years. These lands are very 
productive, and are of the same character as those of every por- 
tion of the Tennessee Valley. The ridge lands vary in the degree 
of their fertility. They are usually of a light gray color with a 
red or yellow subsoil. In the past the rich lands of the valleys 
have been devoted very generally to the production of cotton. 
The table and lidge lands vary in the degree of fertility from the 
most productive to the thinnest ; but all are adapted to the growth 
of cotton, grain and fruit. Perhaps within equal compass a greater 
variety of soil can not be found elsewhere within the State. 

Such is the blandness of the climate along the green valleys of 
Marshall that every cereal and esculent grown in the southern por- 
tion of the State can be produced here. Deprived, as the people 
of this county have been, of intercourse, to a great extent, with 
the world beyond, by reason of the absence of railroad commu- 
nication, they have enjoyed ample opportunity of putting to test 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



31 



the charm of their climate and the productiveness of their soils. 
The hardiest field grain, as well as the tenderest fruit of the tem- 
perate zone, are successfully grown here. In Marshall county the 
conditions are equally favorable to agriculture, horticulture, stock 
raising and manufacturing. 

Such is the value and variety of the soils of the county that 
agriculture in all its branches can be made most profitable. Its 
climate and diversity of soil are favorable to horticulture, and the 
generous, responsive soil yields as fine clovers, timothy and grasses 
as can be grown- in the South. But farming, stock raising and 
manufacturing will be the chief industrial pursuits of the people. 

The great forests of valuable woods in Marshall county have 
been scarcely touched. Along the ridges and slopes there grow 
in stately grandeur magnificent specimens of oak, hickory, beech, 
walnut and cherry. At a later day, when the hand of Art shall 
have laid the railway lines, these timbers will prove of great value. 

The county throughout is abundantly supplied with water. The 
Tennessee River flows through the county and makes its great 
bend in the heart of it, as it suddenly curves from a southerly to 
a northwesterly course. 

The northern boundary of the county is skirted by Paint Rock 
River, which separates Marshall from Madison county. In the 
northeastern section the county is drained by Town Creek, while 
on the south the Locust Fork and its numerous branches furnish 
abundant supplies of water to that region. In every part of the 
county there are bold mountain springs of the purest and coolest 
water. 

Like the other resources of the county its mineral wealth is, as 
yet, undeveloped. The fact simply exists that there are deposits 
of coal, red hematite and bog ore, manganese, copper, lead and 
silver. But little effort has been made to develop these, because 
of the absence of transportation in the past. But this difficulty 
will soon be overcome. The completion of the Tennessee & 
Coosa Railroad through Marshall county, crossing the river at 
Guntersville, will soon have been effected. The Birmingham 
Mineral Railroad is also being rapidly built. The Guntersville & 
Scottsboro Railroad is chartered, and the right-of-way secured. 
Negotiations are now pending for beginning work at once upon 
this line. 

With the Muscle Shoals Canal completed, Marshall will have a 



32 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



water-way second to that of no other portion of the continent, 
for, as has already been said, the pecuHar curve of the great river 
makes it accessible to every part of the county. 

The commercial importance of the Tennessee River can scarcely 
be overestimated when the great natural barrier at Muscle Shoals 
is removed. Wh^en this stream shall have been united with the 
Coosa at Gadsden there will be a communication with all the 
great railway lines leading toward the East and Northwest. Pecu- 
liar advantages are thus afforded in this county to investors. 

The population of Marshall county is honest, intelligent, 
thrifty, and industrious. It is almost exclusively a white popula- 
tion. Good schools are found in every section of the county. 
Guntersville, the county-seat, situated upon the Tennessee River, 
has a population of nearly 700, and is the seat of a Normal School 
of high grade. Its environments are favorable to a large city. 
Surrounded by a fertile agricultural region, commanding the trade 
of the Tennessee River in both directions, and the destined center 
of a future railway system, it will have all the facilities for a bus- 
thng center of commerce. 

M'uch of the grandeur and picturesqueness of the Tennessee Val- 
ley are accessible to this future city. Mountain rapids, cascades, 
and waterfalls contribute to the abounding variety of the region, and 
but a short distance from the town there are the traces of the 
Mound Builders, and a large cave. 

The other chief towns are VVarrenton, Henryville, Claysville, 
Albertville, and Oleander. 

Because of the inaccessibility of Marshall county the lands are, 
at present, moderately low. They can now be purchased at merely 
nominal figures ; but this section is attracting the eager attention 
of speculators, and at no remote day, the lands will be purchased. 
Lands for farming, stock-raising, or timbers may be bought, when 
unimproved, for from $1 to $s per acre. Improved lands will cost 
from ^3 to ^50 per acre, and their valuation will depend upon the 
character of their soils, improvements, and location. 

Marshall county has 5,000 acres of public or government lands, 
some of which are subject to entry. 

Persons seeking information in regard to the county of Marshall 
will be cheerfully answered free of charge by addressing inquiries 
to T/ie Democrat^ Guntersville, Ala. Write for free sample copies, 
showing maps, views, resources, and opportunities offered. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



33 



MORGAN COUNTY. • 

The county of Morgan was established in the year 1818, and 
named for General Daniel Morgan, of Pennsylvania. It lies 
directly south of the Tennessee River, and is one of the most 
important counties in North Alabama. Its area is 700 square 
miles. 

Population in 1870, 12,187; population in 1880, 16,428; white, 
'11,758; colored, 4,670. 

Tilled Land — 95,584 acres. Area planted in cotton, 18,828 
acres; in corn, 35,610 acres; in oats, 4,704 acres; in wheat, 7,005 
acres; in rye, 135 acres; in tobacco, 52 acres; in sweet potatoes, 
365 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,133 bales. 

Proceeding southward from the Tennessee River, which forms 
the northern boundary of Morgan county, there are met four ter- 
race-like plains, each with characteristics peculiar to itself. The 
first of these would be the bottoms, which lie in close proximity 
to the Tennessee River. The soils here are porous and productive, 
but liable 10 overflow. For this reason they are planted almost 
altogether in corn. Occasionally, however, where the soil is not 
so much exposed to overflow, there is cotton planted. 

Then comes the land of the VaUey of the Tennessee proper. 
This is elevated above the bottoms about seventy-five or one hun- 
dred feet, and possesses the red or brown soils, which mark the 
great valley from limit to limit. Because of the generous soil pos- 
sessed by this valley, the lands are almost wholly cleared. The 
valley in this county varies very greatly. In some parts it is but 
a mile or two wide, while in others it is fully eight. 

Ascending to the next natural formation one is from sevent) - 
five to one hundred feet above the valley, and is upon the summit 
of a range known as Little Mountain. The lands along this broad, 
natural shelf are not so fertile as those in the valley for purposes 
of farming, but are superior in their pasturage qualities. Grasses 
in the greatest variety and luxuriance grow along this lofty pla- 
teau. Here we find the stock-producing section of the county. 
Of course, from this it will not be understood that the soils of 
this section are incapable of producing only grasses. In this por- 



34 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



tion of Morgan are found many thrifty farms, surrounded by all 
the comforts of life. It is more distinctively adg.pted, however, 
to stock-raising than to agriculture. 

From this elevated plain, which commands the view of the Ten- 
nessee Valley, and going southward there is a perceptible descent 
to the foot of Sand Mountain. This is the fourth distinct division 
of the county. The width of this terrace varies from one to twelve 
miles. Along this we find a great variety of soil, the fertility or 
thinness of which is indicated by its peculiar hue. In some por- 
tions the lands are black, while in others they are red and gray. 
That part of the county which is now being described is a portion 
of the great Warrior Coalfield. Thus it will be seen that Morgan 
possesses, to a greater or less degree, all the advantages, agricul- 
turally and otherwise, which are possessed by the surrounding 
counties of the great Tennessee Valley. All the grains are pro- 
duced here that are produced elsewhere in this North Alabama 
region. And the hardy fruits, such as apples, peaches, pears, 
and the various berries are grown abundantly and are usually of 
superior quality. The water supply of the county is superior. 
The Tennessee River forms the whole of the northern boundary of 
the county, while Flint Creek and its two forks, Cataco, No Busi- 
ness, Cedar, Shoal, Six Mile, Main, Scrouge and Gandy's Fork, 
penetrate every portion of it, and not only supply it with water, 
but contribute greatly to the enrichment of the soils. The county 
is also well watered with superior springs. In the northeastern 
portion are the Valhermoso and Lacey Springs, which enjoy a 
local reputation. The different streams afford excellent fish. 

There is an abundance of wood for all purposes in the county. 
Vast districts of the county have scarcely been touched by the 
woodman's axe. Principal among the timbers which throng the 
forests are the post oak, blackjack, hickory, poplar, walnut, maple, 
sour wood, cherry, cedar, and short-leaf pine. There are large 
milling interests which are engaged in the conversion of much of 
this timber into lumber for home consumption and for shipment 
t© distant markets. 

Facilities for transportation are found in the Tennessee River, 
which forms the northern boundary line of the county, the Louis- 
ville & Nashville Railroad, which runs entirely through, and the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, which penetrates the northern 
end of the county and crosses the Louisville & Nashville system 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



35 



at Decatur. Other railway lines are in contemplation which are 
expected to pierce other portions of the county and thus greatly 
enlarge facilities for the shipment of products, but sufficient outlet 
for transportation is already afforded in the lines which now pen- 
etrate the county. Unusual advantages for the shipment of pro- 
duce is afforded the inhabitants of Morgan, as the competing lines 
of railway cross at Decatur, and there also cross the Tennessee 
River, the navigation of which will soon be open • in both direc- 
tions. 

The county is being rapidly peopled and correspondingly devel- 
oped. Minerals exist in different parts of the county. These are 
chiefly coal and limestone, though there is the evident presence of 
gold, and the indications are that it is in large quantities. Asphalt 
also exists, being the first trace of it discovered in America. No 
direct effort has been made to develop these mineral resources, the 
investigations hitherto being directed only to ascertain the extent 
of their prevalence. The moral tone of the population of the 
county is healthy, and excellent school and church facihties abound 
in town and county ahke. The school at Mountain Home, near 
Trinity, is regarded the equal of any institution in this portion of 
the State. 

Of the towns, Somerville is an interior village with a population 
of several hundred, and it is the seat of justice of the county. 

DECATUR. 

For many years Decatur was content to be a quiet town of 1200 
mhabitants, lying favorably at the junction of the Louisville & 
Nashville and Memphis & Charleston Railroads. These two great 
thoroughfares meet upon the banks of the Tennessee River, and at 
this point is located the city of Decatur. Catching the spirit that 
was astir throughout the entire North Alabama region, Decatur 
began to take a new and vigorous growth, and within the last two 
years its population has increased to more than 6,000. 

The chief feature of the city is that portion which is designated 
as New Decatur. Its new and spacious streets and avenues, lined 
with residences and business houses, some of which rival in attract- 
iveness those of the largest cities, its mammoth and splended hotel 
— The Tavern — and its numerous industries, serve to show the life 
and spirit of this city of the Tennessee. Chief among the indus- 
tries are these : 



3.6 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



1. The United States Rolling Stock Company will remove their 
immense plant from Urbana, Ohio, to this place. The plans are 
completed and work is rapidly progressing. Cost, ^1,000,000. 

2. The Louisville & Nashville Railway Car Works. Cost of 
buildings, ^300,000. Will employ 1,500 men. 

3. Charcoal Company's plant, costing ^120,000. 

4. A 70-ton Charcoal Iron Furnace, costing ^100,000. 

5. The Decatur Iron Bridge and Construction Company. Cost, 
^100,000. 

6. The Car Wheel and Manufacturing Company, capacity 140 
wheels per day. Cost of plant, ^60,000. 

7. Southern Horseshoe Nail Factory, 60 mechanics. Capital, 
^100,000. 

8. The American Oak Extract Company's plant, costing 
$60, 000. 

9. Ivens & Son's Steam Boiler and Engine Works, costing 
^100,000. 

10. Morse's Cotton Compress plant, costing ^60,000. 

11. Decatur Lumber Company, Saw and Planing Mills, costing 
;^5o,ooo. 

12. Berthard & Co., Sash, Door and Bhnd Factory, costing 
^15,000. 

13. The Decatur Street Railway. 

14. The Telephone Company. 

15. Brush Electric Light Company. 

16. The Ironton Wheelbarrow Company, cost ;^25,ooo. 

17. Howland & Company's Water Works System, costing 
^200,000. 

18. Bleymeyer Artificial Ice Company, cost ^10,000. 

19. Four Mammoth Brick Yards. 

20. Jones, Foley & Co.'s Lumber Yards. 

21. The Hoosier Mills and Building Company. 

22. The Gate City Sash and Door Company. ' 

23. Arantz Brothers' Mills and Lumber Yards. 

24. Grant & Co.'s Furniture Factory. 

25. Southern Lumber Company. 

26. H. S. Freeman's Mills and Lumber Yards. 

27. Decatur Chain and Architectural Iron Works. Capital, 
1 00, 000. 

28. Natural Gas Company. Capital, ^200,000. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



37 



29. First National Bank. Capital, ^100,000. 

30. The Exchange Bank of Decatur. Capital, ;^ 100, 000. 

31. Merchants' Insurance Company. Capital, ;^ 100, 000. 

32. Decatur Building Association. Capital, ;^300,ooo. 

33. Buchheit's Bottling Works. 
34 Decatur Printing Company. 

35. Grand Opera House, 100,000. 

36. The Evans Furniture Manufacturing Company. Capital 
stock, ;^5o,ooo. 

37. The Decatur Iron Company. Capital stock, $100,000. 

38. Artificial Stone Works. Capital, ^^25,000.. 

39. The Decatur Plumbing and Supply Company. Capital, 
^25,000. 

40. The Alabama Lumber and Fruit Package Company. 

41. The St. Louis Investment Company. Capital, ;^200,000. 

42. The Defatur Carriage Company. Capital, ^20,000. 
Located so near the great mineral fields, and destined to enjoy 

marked advantages when the Muscle Shoals works are completed, 
Decatur will become one of the great cities of the State. Excel- 
lent school and church facilities abound in this favored city. 

Trinity, Hartsell's, Leesburg, Danville and Valhermoso Springs 
are points of chief importance, and possess valuable educational 
interests. 

Lands in this county may be purchased at prices ranging from 
^5 to :^40 per acre. 

Considering the competing lines which cross each other in the 
county, its superior soil^ its climate and medicinal waters, together 
with its numerous social advantages, Morgan county is the peer of 
any other in the great Cereal Belt. The people regard with favor 
and encouragement the settlement of men of studious, industri- 
ous and frugal habits, in their midst. 

The county embraces within its limits government land to the 
extent of 16,000 acres. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



LAWRENCE COUNTY. 

Than this a more attractive county is not found within the 
State. It was organized in 1 8 1 8 and was named in honor of the 
great naval officer, James Lawrence, of Vermont. 

In point of fertihty^ in agricultural productions, in topography^ 
climate, and numerous social advantages, it stands in the front 
rank of the counties of Alabama. 

Lawrence county has an area of 790 square miles. 

Populationin 1870, 16,658; population in 1880, 21,392. White^ 
12,642; colored, 8,750. 

'Tilled Land — 160,000 acres. Area planted in cotton, 45,200 
acres; in corn, 61,100 acres; in oats, 10,300 acfes ; in wheat, 
7, 1 50 acres; in rye, 300 acres, in tobacco, 270 acres ; in sweet 
potatoes, 517 acres. 

Cotton Production — 13,791 bales. 

The county is penetrated from east to w^est by two extensive 
valleys known as Courtland and Moulton Valleys. The former of 
these being in the northern and the latter in the southern portion 
of the county, while the center is occupied by a detached moun- 
tain known as Little Mountain. 

The Courtland Valley is a beautiful level domain with sandy 
loam soil, which is not very deep, but resting upon a good foun- 
dation. When first cleared, the lands along this valley are exceed- 
ingly productive. The soil is of a mulatto cast tinged to a great 
depth by the iron which enters freely into its composition. A 
prevailing characteristic of this soil is that it dries rapidly after a 
rainfall. It is easy of cultivation. 

When fresh, the lands of the Courtland Valley were quite pro- 
ductive, and the early settlers of the county accumulated prop- 
erty very rapidly, but they were not judicious in the use of fertil- 
izers to check any symptoms of decay, nor were they discreet m. 
every instance in planting ameliorating crops. 

By the use of manures to-day, these lands, which are still pro- 
ductive, can be rendered wonderfully so, as they can be improved 
by a proper system of rotation. This is the result of the experi- 
ments made by the farmers of Courtland Valley since the close of 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



39 



the war. Clover, corn, small grain and cotton grow with great 
readiness, and are gratifyingly productive in this valley. 

Moulton Valley, in its essential features, is like Courtland Val- 
ley, only it has more of the branch soil, which is black. In this 
valley head Town Creek, which runs north through the Little 
Mountain and empties into the Tennessee River; Big Nance 
Creek, which runs in the same direction, and Flint River, which 
traverses a portion of Morgan county and finds an outlet in the 
Tennessee River. 

These creek lands are regarded among the most productive in 
the county when properly drained. The farms are smaller here 
than in Courtland Valley, cultivated with more care, and are con- 
sequently more remunerative. 

The Little Mountain region, which occupies the central portion 
of the county, has a light sandy soil, which in point of fertility 
falls far behind those of the two valleys. But no portion of the 
county is more inviting than this as a place of residence. Ele- 
vated three or four hundred feet above the valleys, supplied with 
a profusion of freestone and chalybeate springs, with a soft, health- 
ful atmosphere, with extensive reaches of grazing lands for herds, 
this section is most inviting to many who come to Lawrence 
county in search of homes. A small colony of Quakers has 
recently located in this region, midway between the towns of 
Courtland and Moulton. 

The county is traversed by numerous streams, large and small, 
which afford abundant supplies of water to every portion. The 
northern boundary of the county is formed by the Tennessee 
River, and more than half this boundary is occupied by the Great 
Muscle Shoals, which are not navigable. The upper boundary, 
however, is on the open portion of the Tennessee River, which 
will soon be opened to the largest packets. In other portions of 
the county are Town and Nance Creeks, a fork of Flint River, and 
Sipsey Fork. Springs of great coolness and of unceasing flow 
issue from the hilly portions of the county. 

Timber is not in sufficient quantities for commercial purposes. 
In the past, the Little Mountain region furnished great quantities 
to the two valleys between which it is situated ; but the forests 
have been sufficiently depleted to create care and protection 
against future depredations. For home consumption there is still 
a sufficiency of pine, white oak and poplar. The islands in the 



40 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Tennessee are densely wooded with poplar, white oak, ash, red 
gum, and black oak ; but this timber is inaccessible to a great 
degree, and will remain so until the canal shall have been opened 
around the Muscle Shoals. 

The mineral resources of the county, as far as discovered, are ) 
limited. A few thin seams of coal are' found on the high escarp- 
ments of the mountains, but it is not in sufficient quantities for 
practical purposes. Almost every kind of fruit seems to do well 
in Lawrence county. The productions have been the most satis- 
factory. Grape culture has received more attention than any other. 

Colonel James E. Saunders, living near Courtland, has a famous 
vineyard, in which is successfully grown every species of grape 
known to the fruit-growers of the continent. He manufactures 
a large quantity of wine every year, and ships vast cargoes of grapes 
to the markets of the North and Northwest. 

The facilities for transportation will be restricted to the Mem- 
phis & Charleston Railroad, which runs through the Courtland 
Valley east and west, until the Tennessee River shall have been 
opened by the completion of the Muscle Shoals Canal. 

The chief towns of the county are Moulton, the county seat, 
which has a population of about 800, Courtland and Leighton. 

Good common schools exist in every section of the county, and 
a female academy of high grade in the town of Moulton. 

In almost every region of the county are the evidences of thrift 
and progress. Along the high, healthful ridges are found many 
handsome homes, adorned with flower gardens and surrounded 
with spacious orchards. 

In some regions of the county, where coves are formed, there 
are oftentimes found scenes of great wildness and beauty. 

The prices of land vary in the county, and are controlled by the 
fertility of the soil and the location of the land. Lands vary in 
prices from to $^0. 

Thrifty, wideawake, progressive immigrants would be greeted 
by the good people of Lawrence county. Farmers, fruit-growers 
and stock-raisers could not find a more inviting section. The county 
embodies 40,000 acres of land belonging to the Government, some 
of which is subject to entry. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



COLBERT COUNTY. 

The county of Colbert was not created until 1867. It was named 
for a famous Chickasaw chief. Though one of the youngest coun- 
ties of the State, it has already made long strides to the front as 
one of the most progressive. * * Beautiful for situation, " advantage- 
ously located, and abounding in the most generous soils, exhuber- 
ant water courses, and a progressive population, Colbert has the 
elements to make it one of the most charming sections of the entire 
State. 

The area of the county is 570 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 12, 537 ; population in 1880, 16, 1 53. White 
9,203; colored, 6,950; population in 1888 estimated to exceed 
25,000. 

The area of land in cultivation is rapidly enlarging and the pro- 
duction being, in consequence, very materially increased. 

The county is divided from east to west by a broad range of hills, 
which are locally called the Little Mountain. Between this eleva- 
ted ridge and the Tennessee River, which forms its boundary on the 
north, is that portion of the Tennessee Valley which Hes within the 
county. South of these hills lies Russell Valley. The dividing 
hills are about three hundred or three hundred and fifty feet above 
the valleys between which they stand. The lands along the sum- 
mits of these hills are the least fertile of those of the county, and 
are well adapted and frequently devoted to the raising of fruit which 
is grown in great profusion and to wonderful perfection. 

The altitude of the hills, together with their abounding springs 
of water, make them especially desirable as places of summer res- 
idence. 

In Russell Valley the lands are of excellent quality, and are much 
sought by farmers because of their productiveness. The same is 
true of the Tennessee Valley. The latter valley is more level than 
the former, and the lands are not so much exposed to washing. 
In both valleys there is a prevalence of reddish loam with a subsoil 
of yellow or red clay. In some sections the lands assume a deep 
blackness like that of the richest prairie lands. Upon these lands 
are produced the finest corn, cotton, wheat and oats. The growth 
of grass is spontaneous, and its exuberance makes Colbert a mag- 



42 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



nificent stock region. The efforts at stock-raising in the county 
have been most gratifying, and prove the conditions most favor- 
able, for the raising of the finest horses, mules, cattle and sheep. 

There is a large amount of open range in the hills, which, from 
the character of the land, must for many years remain open and 
afford magnificent free pasturage, throughout ten months of the 
year, for the flocks and herds of the thrifty valley farmers. 

The chief productions of Colbert are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
clover, grasses, and potatoes, all of which are quite thrifty, and 
show the generous nature of the soil in which they are grown. 

The timbers of the county are the different varieties of the oak, 
red, white, blackjack, post, cherry, and chestnut, together with 
black walnut, the different gums, arid short-leaf pine. Magnificent 
specimens of oak and hickory are found along the rich valleys, and 
in great abundance. One of the most valuable features of Colbert 
is its splendid forests of timber. 

Big Bear, Cedar, Spring, and Town creeks drain the different 
portions of the county. Several of these flow into the Tennessee 
on the north, and hence their value is greatly enhanced. 

There are three railroads in the county : the Memphis & 
Charleston, which runs directly through the county from east to 
west, and a branch of which connects Florence across the Tennessee 
River in Lauderdale county, with Sheffield and Tuscumbia ; 
the Sheffield and Birmingham, which runs south to Jasper, and that 
point connects with Birmingham, and makes directly tributary to 
Sheffield the vast deposits of ore and coal which lie in inexhaustible 
abundance throughout the mineral fields south of the Tennessee 
River, and the Sheffield division of the Louisville & Nashville 
road, which enters the county by a bridge across the Tennessee 
River at Florence. Besides these roads, built and in active opera- 
tion, the preliminary work on several other roads has been com- 
pleted and the work of construction on the same will soon be 
commenced. 

The Tennessee River, navigable throughout the greater part of 
the year for the largest Mississippi and Ohio River steamers, from 
its mouth to the Sheffield landing, forms the entire northern boun- 
dary of the county and is a most important transportation route 
between Colbert county and the immense extent of country reached 
by the great water-ways of the Ohio and the Mississippi from their 
limit of navigation to the Gulf of Mexico. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



43 



In transportation facilities no county in the State of Alabama is 
more richly favored than Colbert. 

Tuscumbia was founded in i8i8. It is a beautiful little city of 
some two thousand inhabitants, and is the county seat. The 
Deshler Institute, a school of considerable renown is located here. 
The town is noted for its "Big Spring" from which issues an 
immense volume of freestone water. Cherokee, Chickasaw, and 
Leighton are pleasant little villages and good trading points. 

Sheffield, the most important city in the county,- and destined 
to take rank with the first in this entire section in commercial and 
manufacturing consequence, was founded in 1884, and has already 
attained a considerable prominence. The city is beautifully located 
upon a broad plateau stretching back from the crown of the bluffs 
which here overlook the Tennessee River. It occupies a superb 
site, and seems to have been especially designed by Providence as 
the location of a great business center. From it radiate three 
great railroad lines, and to it several more are being built as fast 
as a liberal expenditure of money and muscle will do it. By the 
Tennessee River it has a line of v/ater-way transportation that is 
unsurpassed, and situated as it is, near the head of navigation on 
this important stream, it must in the future become a great dis- 
tributing point for a large section of country. In this flourishing 
four-year-old city are the homes of quite four thousand people. 
Magnificent brick business blocks have been erected, and colossal 
manufacturing enterprises, unequalled in any city of its size in the 
United States, have been carried to completion. Its five immense 
blast furnaces produce 700 tons of pig iron daily, and create in 
themselves a volume of business that w^ould do credit to cities 
many times larger than Sheffield. The quality of iron produced 
is unsurpassed by any similar plant in the United States. The 
city is lighted by electricity, supplied with water by a complete 
water works system, has a street car line, and a telephone exchange 
is soon to be inaugurated. The First National Bank of Sheffield 
and the Bank of Sheffield are both sound financial institutions 
located in Sheffield, and are the only banks in the county. They 
have a capital stock of ;^ 100, 000 each, and do a large business. 

The common school system of the county is good, and Shefifield 
and Tuscumbia are provided with educational advantages that are 
exceptional. 



44 - ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Almost all of the religious denominations have active organiza- 
tions in the county, and church privileges are abundant. 

Brown hematite iron ore, inexhaustible in quantity and analys- 
ing 54 per cent, of metal, is found in the southern part of the 
county, and several quarries of magnificent sand and limestone 
have been opened. 

The Mountain Mills (cotton) are^ found at Barton Station, on the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad. These mills have been in suc- 
cessful operation since 1873, 

Lands may be purchased in the county at prices ranging from $^ 
to ^50 per acre. The resources, agricultural and mineral, the 
facilities for manufacturing, farming and stock-raising, and the 
abundant means of transportation, gives' Colbert a conspicuous 
place in the midst of the other counties in this section of Alabama. 
There are in the county nearly 10,000 acres of land belonging to 
the Government. 



THE MINERAL BELT. 

Of the four great belts into which the State is divided, the Min- 
eral is, by odds, the largest. It embraces twenty-eight counties, 
which cover more than one-third of the State. This vast area 
embraces almost all the chief minerals known to art, and in many 
instances in fabulous abundance. It is idle to undertake to calcu- 
late the extent of the prevalence of some of the mineral deposits 
of Alabama. This admits of special application to stone, coal 
and iron. All indications and investigations point to the exhaust- 
lessness of these minerals which lie stored away beneath the 
thrones of the everlasting hills. Stupendous enterprises under 
the auspices of mammoth corporations have, of late years, sprung 
up for the development of these minerals, but each step of pro- 
gress only discloses how inexhaustible they are. There are em- 
braced in the Mineral Belt, three great coalfields - the Warrior, 
the Cahaba, and the Coosa. 

THE WARRIOR COALFIELD 

has an area of about 7,810 square miles. It is much larger than 
the other two combined. By some it is estimated as being ten 
times the size of the other two taken together. Professor Mc- 
Calley, supposing that the available coal of this field would cover 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



4S 



an area of only 500 square miles, with seventy-five feet thickness, 
giving a block of coal seventy-five miles long by fifty miles wide, 
and ten feet thick; and the result would be 37,500,000,000 tons 
— enough to last for nearly 10,275 years at the rate of io,ooo 
tons per day. But this, so far from being an extravagant estimate, 
is regarded by scientists as falling vastly below the capacity of 
this wonderful domain of minerals. 

The coals from the Warrior field are well adapted to the pro- 
duction of gas and steam, as well as fitted for the domestic hearth 
and the shop of the blacksmith. Excellent coking coals are 
derived from some sections of this field. The vastness of this 
body of coal suggests that it will one day constitute one of the 
greatest industrial centers of the Union. 

THE CAHABA COALFIELD. 

For many years, beginning before the commencement of the 
war, the coal derived from this field has been famous as a domestic 
fuel. It was dug more than a quarter century ago and hauled in 
wagons to the Alabama River and rafted to Mobile and Mont- 
gomery. This coalfield lies south of the Warrior Coalfield, and 
occupies a more southern latitude than any other found in the 
United States. It covers an area of over 400 square miles,* and 
its measures are estimated as being 5,000 feet thick. Estimating 
the output at 10,000 tons per day. Professor McCalley decides 
that the deposits ot the Cahaba coalfield would not be exhausted 
short of 1, 100 years. This coal is remarkable for its firmness and 
its capacity to resist atmospheric changes. 

COOSA COALFIELD. 

This is the smallest of the coal districts of Alabama, and one 
about which less is known than any other. Means of exploration 
have been scant, by reason of the remoteness of this field, until 
the construction of the Georgia Pacific Railroad. It has been esti- 
mated, however, that it will cover an area of 400 square miles, 
giving the largest margin for deduction. Professor McCalley 
reaches the conclusion that with an output of 10,000 tons per day 
the coal of this region would last 165 years. 

Aggregating these enormous sums concerning the available coal 
in Alabama, it is seen that there is at least 42,100,000,000 tons, 
which will supply a demand of 10,000 tons daily for 1 1, 500 years. 

These great districts of mineral wealth arc penetrated here and 



46 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



there by valleys which afford a vast abundance of limestone. And 
then, as if to supply the last deficiency, a providential Maker has 
favored these broad regions of mineral with deep and perpetual 
river-ways, on the bosoms of which these products of wealth may 
be borne to the seas and to the distant quarters of the globe. 

IRON. 

Iron is the symbol of civilization. Its value can be measured 
only by the progress of the present age. It is the most potent of 
all the metals. Indeed, it is worth more to the world than all 
other metals combined. Silver and gold are not indispensable. 
Substitutes could be readily found for them were they exhausted, 
but iron represents only the honest industry of labor. Its uses 
are universal, and it is fitted alike to hold the stoutest ship at 
anchor against the ocean storm and to manufacture screvys in 
delicate machinery so minute that they can be seen only through 
the microscope. 

The beds of this ore are so numerous throughout this famous 
mineral region that it is impossible to point out the localities where 
it prevails. Lying in close proximity to coal, its manufacture is 
far easier than in the older mineral regions of America, where 
expensive means have to be employed to bring them together. 

Thus far the most valuable outcroppings of red ore are found 
in the counties of St. Clair, Jefferson and Shelby. 

The brown iron ore is extensively diffused in the region lying 
south of the Tennessee River. It is already mined in the counties 
of Cherokee, Etowah, Calhoun, Talladega and Bibb. 

The barest mention has been made of these dominating miner- 
als in this great belt. Besides these, there prevails gold, silver, 
copper, tin, lead, graphite, asbestos, emery, gypsum, mica, ochre, 
asphalt, marble, kaolin, and fire clays. The localities of these 
minerals will be indicated when our attention shall have been 
turned to the consideration of the counties. 

Besides these marvelous deposits of treasure, the Mineral Belt 
has superb forests of timber, which cover many thousands of 
square miles. 

In addition still, it embraces as splendid farms as can be found 
in any portion of the South. Thus has an Infinite Creator placed 
together in lavish profusion all the elements of wealth and com- 
fort known to our advanced civilization — all the precious and prac- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



47 



tical ores and minerals, the most splendid timbers, springs, foun- 
tains, and rivers of the purest water, soils of fertility, and an 
atmosphere the brace and healthfulness of which are unexcelled. 



\ FRANKLIN COUNTY. 

This county took its name from the great American philosopher, 
Benjamin Franklin. It was organized in the year 1818. It is one 
of the border counties of the State, lying adjacent to Mississippi ; 
notwithstanding it is placed prominent among the mineral counties, 
its agricultural resources are also of superior order. 

The area of the county is 610 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 8,006; population in 1880, 9,155. Whites, 
8,079; colored, 1,076. 

Tilled Land — 46,895 acres. Area planted in cotton, 10,368 
acres; in corn, 21,038 acres; in oats, 3,020 acres ; in wheat, 1,660 
acres; in tobacco, 17 acres; in sugar cane, 96 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 137 acres. 

Cotton Production — 3,603 bales. 

The northern half of the county is a valley known as Russell's 
Valley ; the southern portion is a high tableland, which is the 
northern part of the Warrior coalfield. 

"The soils, especially in the northern part, are of such character 
as to be favorable to the production of cotton and the cereals. 
Indeed, in some sections of Franklin the lands fall not a whit 
behind the fertile lands of the famous Tennessee Valley. 

The lands which lie along its attractive valleys, and those of the 
western part of the county, which are of a loamy character, are 
favorable to the production of cotton. As is seen from the aggregate 
statement of productions, furnished above, the varied soils of Frank- 
lin are productive of almost every cereal. Grasses and clovers grow 
with great readiness, and hence stock-raising is easy. In some 
portions of the county are valuable timbers, which will be of 
immense value when the transportation facilities of the county are 
improved. Among these may be mentioned the different varieties 
of oak, viz : red, white, post and black-jack, together with an 
excellent growth of cedar, dogwood, chestnut, walnut, wild cherry 
and black locust, hackberry and hickory. 

The streams are Cedar, Big and Little Bear creeks, all of which 



48 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



flow toward the northwest and empty into the Tennessee River. 
Other smaller streams, which are tributary to these already men- 
tioned, afford an abundant water supply to every portion of the 
county, enhancing its value, both with respect to its manufacturing 
and stock-raising facilities. The centers of interest are, Bellgreen, 
the county-seat, Frankfort, Russellville and Center Line, all of 
which have good local schools. The county is now penetrated by 
one of the most important railway lines in the State, viz : The Shef- 
field & Birmingham Railroad. This gives the county transporta- 
tion advantages to Birmingham in one direction and to the Tennes- 
see River in the other. 

The Savannah & Memphis Railroad is projected through Frank- 
lin county. Should it come to pass that this important line will 
be completed, it will necessarily cross the East Tennessee, Virginia 
& Georgia railway system at Talladega, and the Anniston & Atlan- 
tic at the same point. 

It would also intersect the great thoroughfares, the Georgia Pacific 
and the Louisville & Nashville. But that which will be the chief 
glory of the county will be the development of its ore wealth. Its 
beds of iron ore are known to be immense, but they are, as yet 
almost untouched by the hand of art. It was in this county that 
the first effort was ever made in Alabama to manufacture iron. 
This was undertaken as far back as 1818, but after an experiment 
of nine years the enterprise was abandoned. The mines of this 
primitive establishment are still to be seen in Franklin county. 
Remote from transportation, it is amazing that it should have so 
long existed. But the transportation is now supplied, and a new 
impulse will be given the iron interest of this section of the State. 
Th'e extent of the coal deposits of Franklin are unknown. The 
evidence exists of its prevalence, however, and like its twin associ- 
ate, iron, it will have to await future progress for its development. 

The long continued absence of transportation has depressed the 
market valuation of the lands of Franklin county, but they will 
now come rapidly into notice, and their valuation will be greatly 
advanced. A healthy climate, excellent farming lands, superior 
' water, and deposits of iron and coal, offer inducements to persons 
seeking a prosperous section. 

Besides, its numerous districts of land which may be purchased 
at moderate prices, there are in the county 50,(X»o acres of gov- 
ernment lands, some of which are subject to entry. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



49 



MARION COUNTY. 

Lying directly south of Franklin is Marion county. It was 
created in 1818 and named for General Francis Marion. The 
extensive natural advantages possessed by the county are serving 
to attract capital and enterprise, and, though not enjoying the 
transportation facilities of many other counties, it is rapidly coming 
to the front as one of the most important in the State. It joins 
Mississippi on the west, and is situated in that portion of the State 
where some of the richest mineral deposits exist. The county has 
an area of 810 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 6,059; population in 1880, 9,364. White, 
8,841 ; colored, 523. 

Tilled Land — 42,925 acres. Area planted in cotton, 7,269 
acres; in corn, 21,835 acres; in oats, 2,321 acres ; in wheat, 3,925 
acres; .in tobacco, 44 acres; in sugar-cane, 15 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 477 acres. 

Cotton Production — 2, 240 bales. 

The surface of the county is, for the most part, broken. The 
soils are of moderate fertility, and of such variety as to favor a 
diversity of production. In the western portion, near the Missis- 
sippi line, the most fertile lands in the county are to be found. 
These are the cotton lands. It is doubtful whether any county in 
this portion of Alabama has soils which exceed in fertility those 
which lie along the western border of the county of Marion. 
Many excellent farms are found throughout the county. The>^ 
are mostly located upon the wide extended tablelands which form 
a prevailing feature. These lands are most desirable, both on 
account of the geneix)us soil and the favorable position of the 
surface with respect to drainage. Along these broad tablelands 
the soil is a red loam. In other sections are found soils which are 
of a sandy loam of a brown color. The lands which lie along the 
streams are of a rich dark color. This character of soi4 extends 
but a short distance on both sides of the creeks and branches, but 
are quite desirable because of their fertility and because too of 
their elevation above the point of overflow. This gives a sense of 
security to the planter, and his grain rarely fails to come to matu- 
rity. The readiness with which the best grasses are produced is 



50 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



attracting the attention of stock-raisers, and many good stock 
farms are found in different sections of the county. The value of 
the county as a stock-raising district is further enhanced by the 
fact that it is favored with a great number of perpetual streams. 
Indeed, the greater part of Marion county is drained by a single 
large stream — the Buttahachie River — whose numerous tributaries, 
flowing from all directions from the lofty tablelands and hillsides, 
furnish inexhaustible supplies of the purest water. The principal 
streams of the county are Battahatchie, Looxapalila and Sipsey 
Rivers, Beaver, Bull Mountain, and Bear creeks, together with 
many smaller streams. These streams flow southwest and empty 
into the Tombigbee. It is reasonable to suppose that at some 
future time some of these streams will serve for purposes of local 
transportation. In many portions of Marion are to be found 
extensive forests of timber. Chief among the numerous speci- 
mens are short-leaf pine, hickory, post, red, and white oaks, sweet 
and black gum, chestnut, poplar, cherry, beech and bay. Through 
these hilly forests is to be found much game, especially such as 
deer and turkeys, and, indeed, all kinds of game usually found in 
the forests of the South. 

In addition to farming and stock-raising the people devote them- 
selves, to a limited degree, to manufacturing. On Bear Creek 
are two flourishfng cotton mills, known as Allen's Factory and 
the Fall Mills. The former has a capital of ^20,000, and the lat- 
ter ^15,000. Both are run by water-power, which serves to illus- 
trate the utility to which these bold mountain streams may be 
devoted in the manufactures. Beneath the ranges of hills which 
exist in every section of Marion are considerable deposits of coal, 
the extent of the prevalence of which is indicated by the outcrop- 
pings in every portion of the county. Gold has also been discov- 
ered in some sections of Marion. Two railroads have recently 
been extended through the county, viz : The Kansas City, Mem- 
phis & Birmingham, and the Sheffield & Birmingham. 

Such is the prevalence of valuable ore in the county that roads 
will doubtless be built as branches to the main thoroughfares run- 
t ning through the county. 

The brace of mountain air everywhere felt is a sure guarantee 
of health. In no part of the county are there to be encountered 
pestilential vapors or death-breeding lagoons. 

The people, especially about the centers of interest, are fully 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



51 



alive to the importance of education. Good schools are found in 
every portion of Marion. 

Unusual inducements are afforded in this county for investments 
in land. No matter for what purpose desired, they can now be 
bought at a figure far below their intrinsic value. Of course, this 
will cease when the county is more extensively penetrated by rail- 
roads. The stockraiser, the farmer, or the investor in mineral 
lands, will find it advantageous to examine the inducements offered 
in Marion county. 

Hamilton, Pikeville, Shottsville,' Guinn, Winfield, Darlington 
and Barnesville are the points of the greatest importance in the 
county. The first of these is the county seat, which has recently 
been established, and is said to have one of the best court houses 
and safest jails in the State. 

Extensive tracts of land may now be purchased at figures won- 
derfully low, even as low as $2 per acre. Anxious to have the 
material wealth of the county enhanced, the inhabitants of Marion 
look with great favor upon immigration. 

There are in Marion county 60,000 acres of land belonging to 
the Government. 



WINSTON COUNTY. 

The name of this county was changed from that of Hancock in 
1858. Under the original name it was organized in 1850. 

The county has immense resources of minerals. Within the 
last year it has attracted considerable attention, which has been 
mainly due to the construction of the new railroads in the adjoin- 
ing county of Walker. The Shefifield & Birmingham Railroad 
penetrates the western portion of Winston. The area of the county 
is 540 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 4,155 ; population in 1880, 4,253. White, 
4,236; colored, 17. 

Tilled Land — 17, 767 acres. Area planted in cotton, 2,048 acres ; 
in corn, 8,098 acres; in oats, 579 acres; in wheat, 1,967 acres; 
in sweet potatoes, 172 acres. 

Cotton Production — 568 bales. 

The face of the countrj throughout Winston is generally much 
broken. Within the limits of the county, near its western boundary, 



52 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



runs the main ridge which divides the waters of the Warrior and 
Tombig-bee Rivers. This (Byler) ridge cuts the county in twain 
from north to south. 

The farming operations of Winston are carried on mainly in the 
lowlands and creek bottoms, because of the fertility of these soils 
above those upon the uplands or higher ridges. But little of the 
land lying along the ridges is cultivated, owing to the thinness of 
the soils. It is in no sense an agricultural county, although in 
some portions cotton and corn are quite readily produced. The 
local industries are farming, stock raising and wool growing. 
Dairy farming is carried on to a limited extent. 

As will appear from the map, Winston county is abundantly- 
supplied with water. These numerous streams, by their conflu- 
ence, form the chief water-ways of the county — Black Water, Big 
Bear, Clear and Rock Creeks, and Sipsey and Brushy Forks. 
The Buttahatchie and New Rivers have their fountain heads amid 
the wild hills of Winston county. Along the abounding gorges 
and valleys there rush the multitudinous tributaries which feed 
these principal streams from many quarters. Winston can not be 
excelled, perhaps, by any county in the State in the wildness and 
picturesqueness of its natural scenery. The waters in some 
instances have worn channels in the sandstones, and often flow 
through gorges with high, perpendicular sides. In some instances 
rapids and cataracts are found which fill the solitudes with their 
loud-sounding thunder. Two of these waterfalls occur in Clear 
Creek about 300 yards apart. The falls are each about thirty feet. 
Below the fails the waters dash down a deep, narrow gorge. They 
are objects of peculiar interest, and will one day attract many 
sight-seers. '* Rock houses,^' as they are locally named, abound 
along these streams. In the neighborhood of these rocky caverns 
are found growing in luxuriance and beauty the rarest ferns known 
to American florists. 

The natural timber growth is composed of post, black, red, white 
and Spanish oaks, poplar, beech, holly, chestnut, sour gum, and 
occasionally short-leaf pine. In many parts of Winston the forests 
are as yet untouched, and hence abound in many fine specimens 
of the timber already named. This is especially true of the lands 
which lie adjacent to creeks in the bottoms. 

One of the chief attractions of the county is its abundant game. 
Turkeys and deer abound in every portion of Winston, and hunters 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



53 



resort thither from the adjoining counties. Most excellent fish, 
too, are found in the numerous streams. 

The county is exceedingly rich in its mineral properties. The 
extent of these deposits is as yet unknown, but it is believed that 
no portion of Alabama, of the same compass, will excel the county 
of Winston in its mineral resources. 

Vast quantities of coal underlie the hills, and iron ore is abun- 
dant, in some sections a superior quality of slate is found, and in 
large quantities. 

There are several asphalt springs in the county. Heavy deposits 
of copper are also found. Building stone is abundant. Near the 
town of Double Springs there are two large quarries of granite. 
Fine millstone grit is also obtainable. There are now and then 
traces of silver. 

These slumbering resources only await the construction of rail- 
way lines in order to find their way into the markets of the world. 
The construction of the Georgia Pacific Railroad through Walker 
county has given new life to Winston. This road is the main artery 
of communication between the cities of Birmingham and Atlanta. 
Unusual inducements are thus presented to immigrants and invest- 
ors. Lands may be purchased at moderate prices, being in pro- 
portion to the demand in different sections. They can now be 
bought in some portions of the county at prices ranging from ^3 
to per acre ; in other sections they will cost from ^10 to $2^ 
per acre. 

The educational advantages of Winston are moderately good and 
are improving. Church facilities abound in the populated sections. 

The places of greatest interest are Double Springs (the county- 
seat), Houston, Littlesville, Motes, Delma, Ark and Larissa. 
Double Springs derives its name from the remarkable springs 
which issue from the hillsides in the locality where it is situated. 
They are famous for their great number, their purity and boldness. 

In the county there are 150,000 acres of government land. 



54 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



WALKER COUNTY. 

The county of Walker was established in 1824. It is attracting- 
remarkable attention at this time by reason of its immense resources 
of coal. From present indications, Walker is the richest of all 
the counties of the State in its mineral deposits. It seems to be 
almost an unbroken coalfield from limit to limit. The coal is of a 
hard, bituminous character with but small percentage of ash. Vari- 
ous geological reports point to the existence of five or six valua- 
ble seams, which lie in successive layers one above another. There 
are various outCroppings, indicating from the surface, seams of 
superior coal which vary in thickness from two to eight feet. 
These coals are valuable for domestic, cooking, and steam pur- 
poses. Remoteness of transportation has forbidden the establish- 
ment of mines in the past, but the construction of the Georgia 
Pacific is awakening new life, and the completion of the Sheffield 
& Birmingham, and the Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham 
railroads, running from Kansas City to the Atlantic, has greatly 
enhanced the value of Walker county lands. The surface of the 
country is broken, the hills in some places being steep and high. 

Aside from its mineral possessions, -the county has other advan- 
tages, as the the following data will at once show. 

Walker county embraces an area of 880 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 6,543 ; population in 1880, 9,479. White,, 
8,978 ; colored, 501. 

Tilled Land — 46, 725 acres. Area planted in cotton, 8, 743 acres ; 
in corn, 21,838 acres ; in oats, 2,579 acres 5 wheat, 5,420 acres; 
in rye, 81 acres; in tobacco, 69 acres; in sugar cane, 11 acres;, 
in sweet potatoes, 325 acres. 

Cotton Production — 2,754 bales. 

Like the adjoining county of Winston, the soils of Walker are 
not remarkable for their fertility, it being in nowise an agricultu- 
ral county, but adapted almost solely to manufactures. Still, it is 
not without fertile lands. Snug farms are found in many portions 
of it, and many ol its inhabitants have subsisted upon the produc- 
tions of their farms since, and even before, the formation of the 
county. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



55 



About one-third of the area of Walker is covered with a sandy 
soil. This land is admirably suited to the production of fruit, 
which grows here in great abundance, especially such as the hardy 
fruits — pears, apples, peaches, plums, etc. Fruit trees have been 
standing in many orchards for a great number of years, and have 
rarely failed of an annual yield. In other sections of Walker, 
especially in those lying adjacent to the main streams, there are 
many thrifty farms, upon which grow, with great readiness, corn, 
cotton and wheat. 

This is also true of what ar.e locally termed * ' the bench lands 
— the plateau regions of the county Here are many first-class 
farms, which are easily tilled, and whose cultivation is most remu- 
nerative. Stock-raising is receiving some attention in the county, 
and the experiments have resulted most gratifyingly. 

The county is highly favored with streams, whose rapid and 
perpetual flow mark them for future usefulness in the manufac- 
tures. Chief among these are Mulberry Fork, which flows through 
the southeast, and joins Locust Fork in the south ; the Black 
Water, Sipsey Fork and Lost creeks. These are supplied by 
numerous tributaries, which drain the county from every quarter. 
As fine timber forests skirt these streams as are found in the north- 
ern portion of the State. These embrace the different varieties of 
oak, post, red and Spanish, together with beech, poplar, holly, 
the gums and short-leaf pine. In the neighborhood of South 
Lowell, about six miles from Jasper, the county-seat, there is a 
section of long-leaf pine forest, covering an area of about ten miles 
broad and twenty-five miles long. This superb tract of timber is 
penetrated by the Black Water River, the banks of which are lined 
by thriving manufactories, such as corn, wheat and lumber mills 
and cotton gins. Chiel among these thriving enterprises is the 
mill of Messrs. Shields, Craig & Carter, which combines all the 
facilities for the manufacture of lumber, doors, blinds, sash and 
shingles. This is the only factory in the county, and furnishes, to 
the local trade alone, half a million feet of lumber annually. 

The passage of the Georgia Pacific through the county has 
awakened much interest, and when that shall have been intersected 
by the Mobile & Birmingham Railroad, which will run the entire 
length of the State from Mobile to Florence, the advantages of 
the county will be immense. Through these great channels of 
trade her rich minerals of coal and iron will seek outlets to the 



56 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



world beyond. These minerals are considered practically inex- 
haustible. In the interior of the basin in Walker county is the 
Jagger's coalbed, which is said to be one of exceeding thickness. 

Throughout the county the educational advantages are moder- 
ate, and church facilities abound. Both these improve as one 
approaches the principal villages. Jasper, the county seat, with 
a population of three or four hundred, has good schools and two 
comfortable church edifices. Holly Grove and South Lowell are 
also points of interest and growing importance. 

Like other counties, the resources of which are being rapidly 
developed, the people of Walker are anxious to have their lands 
purchased and populated. 

Great inducements are just now being offered to purchasers of 
lands, and sagacious investors are not losing the opportunity of 
turning the occasion to one of profit. In some instances corpora- 
tions have invested in large districts of these valuable lands at 
amazingly low prices. Taken in connection with the abundance 
of fuel and good water, and the absence of any causes which breed 
disease, Walker offers a home of rare combinations. And, from 
a commercial point of view, no county offers greater inducements 
than does Walker. But lards which are now held at reasonable 
rates will increase in valuation as the growing population will crys- 
talize into centers of interest and influence. 

There are embraced within the limits of Walker county 75,000 
acres of government land. 



CULLMAN COUNTY. 

This is one of the counties latest formed in the State. It was 
organized in 1877. It has an interesting history which begins as 
far back as 1873, when John G. Cullman became the agent for the 
sale of a vast ti-act of land belonging to the South and North Ala- 
bama Railroad, now the Louisville and Nashville. Placing these 
lands upon the market in January, 1873, Mr. Cullman, himself a 
German, induced a small German colony to locate upon them. 
At this time the lands were uncleared and seemed to offer but 
meagre inducements to settlers. But the tide of German popula- 
tion has continued to flow in until it is one of the most populous 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



districts in that section of the State. The county has an area of 
590 square miles. 

Population in 1880, 6,355; white, 6,312; colored, 43. The 
population will now possibly reach 12,000. 

Tilled Land — 20, 5 27 acres. Area planted in cotton, i , 469 acres ; 
in corn, 10,343 acres ; in oats, i, 179 acres ; in wheat, 2,569 acres; 
in rye, 480 acres ; in sugar cane, 66 acres ; in tobacco, 41 acres ; 
in sweet potatoes^ 215 acres. 

Cotton Pfoduction — 378 bales. 

In appearance the lands are among the thinnest of the State. 
But energy and enterprise have revealed the fact that they arc 
quite generous in their yield when aided, to some extent, with 
fertilizers. For the most part, the white sandy surface has a deep, 
stiff subsoil of clay. The sandy surface is easy of cultivation. The 
soils, when properly manipulated, never fail to respond well to 
fertilizers. The county is one broad mountain plateau and is con- 
sequently almost without exception level. Crops of nearly every 
variety are produced upon these lands, such as corn, cotton, wheat, 
rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, hemp, tobacco, flax, sorghum, 
broom corn, sweet and Irish potatoes, hops, millet, peanuts, 
clover and other grasses, and garden vegetables. Frequently 
three crops in rotation can be raised in a single season. The large 
German population has addressed itself mainly to the culture of 
the different varieties of grapes, and for leagues in some directions 
the lands are overspread with the most luxuriant vintage. 

Throughout the county there are vast stretches of forest suffi- 
cient for building and manufacturing purposes. 

Orchards of excellent fruit trees abound. Among the fruits pro- 
duced are apples, pears, peaches, apricots, strawberries and German 
prunes, while wild grapes, plums and berries, grow abundantly. 

In several portions of Cullman are found iron and coal. Lead 
and silver have also been discovered. Both on the east and west 
there are large streams which bound the county — the Mulberry 
Fork on the east and the Sipsey Fork on tne west. The county 
is drained by these large streams. An abundance of water exists. 

Because of its elevation and other sanitary advantages, Cullman 
is said to be one of the healthiest sections in the United States. 
Epidemics are unknown here, and local sickness is quite rare. 
The heat of summer is not oppressive, and the nights throughout 
the warm season are pleasantly cool. 



58 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The town of Cullman is a point of great interest. Ten years ago 
there was scarcely the trace of a town to be seen. Now there is 
a population of perhaps 1,400 with good hotels, mills, wagon fac- 
tories, blacksmith shops, a lime-kiln and brick-yard, barrel manu- 
factories, and furniture factories. Here are to be found good 
school and church facilities. The town is located directly upon 
the great Louisville & Nashville Railway system, which gives it 
advantages with New Orleans on the south and Louisville and 
Cincinnati on the north. 

The prices of land in Cullman county vary with their distance 
from the railroad. By reason of its remarkable healthfulness and 
diversity of industrial interests, Cullman county presents more 
than ordinary inducements to the immigrant or investor. 

Cullman county sufficiently indicates what may be done' by a 
vigorous, wide-awake colony. And its handsome farms and land- 
scapes of vintage abundantly show what an amazing transforma- 
tion can be produced by a thrifty colony whose efforts are intelli- 
gently directed. And in addition still, the county clearly demon- 
strates the capabilities of lands that have long been regarded by 
our people as possessing small worth. 

To have glanced over the sand-covered district where the bust- 
ling little city of Cullman now is, prior to its settlement by the 
German colony, one would have thought its lands too thin and 
barren to respond even to the most irksome toil, and the most 
careful fertilization. But under the direction of skilled owners, it 
has proved to be one of the most desirable sections of Alabama. 
The population is contented and prosperous, and is being, from 
time to time, increased by new acquisitions, both from America 
and Europe. 

In addition to the many cheap lands found in Cullman county 
there are 20, 000 acres of land belonging to the government. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



59 



BLOUNT COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1818, and named in honor of Gov- 
ernor Wm, G. Blount, of Tennessee. It is noted for the abund- 
ance of its minerals, the diversity of its soils, the variety of its 
productions and mineral waters. In its progress it is keeping 
pace with the surrounding counties, and is ranked among the best 
in the State. Its area is 700 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 9,945; population in 1880, 15,369. White, 
i4,2iO'; colored, 1,159.^ 

Tilled Land — 68,860 acres. Area planted in cotton, 12,502 
acres; in corn, 29,161 acres; in oats, 4,551 acres; in wheat, 10,- 
087 acres ; in tobacco, 48 acres; in sweet potatoes, 371 acres. 

Cotton Production — 4,442 bales. 

The face of the country in Blount is rather peculiar. It is pen- 
etrated through the center by a plateau which ©ccupies a belt from 
eight to ten miles in width. On one side of this mountain plateau, 
running parallel with it, is Murphree's Valley, while on the oppo- 
site side is Brown's Valley. Along this belt of plateau are found 
excellent farming lands, which have been wonderfully assisted 
during the last few years by the moderate use of fertilizers. Cot- 
ton grows most readily upon this broad upland, especially if a 
little assisted with fertilization. 

Because of the greater ease of cultivation, the farmers of the 
county have come, in many instances^ to prefer these elevated soils 
to those of the valleys for cotton-producing purposes. As pasture 
lands these cannot be excelled in the county. There is a combi- 
nation of elements here that favor the raising of stock, among 
which may be mentioned an adequate supply of water and soils 
favorable to the growth of clovers and grasses. Perhaps a better 
section than this plateau can not be found in Alabama for the pro- 
duction of fruits. As fine apples and peaches grow here as arc 
produced in the South. Indeed, Blount has the reputation of 
being the best apple growing county on the continent. The char- 
acter of the climate is such as to favor a certain crop almost annu- 
ally. It is very rare that the fruit crop is cut off by frosts. The 
valley lands are intrinsically more fertile than those which lie along 
the broad plateau. 



6o 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The soils of both the valleys are, in some instances, as rich as 
those which belong to the famous Tennessee Valley. Even along 
these valleys there are flinty ridges which break the evenness of 
the lands, but between these exist the most productive soils. The 
most of the cotton raised in Blount is grown upon the loamy val- 
leys. In addition to corn and cotton, the county produces oats, 
wheat, tobacco, sweet potatoes, rye and sorghum. 

It has for several years produced a great deal of wool, and as 
stock-raising increases, there is no doubt that this product will 
correspondingly increase. 

The main streams of Blount are Mulberry, Locust and Black- 
burn Forks, and Big Spring Creek. 

The principal timbers are beech, walnut, poplar, sycamore, post 
and Spanish oaks, hickory, wild cherry, pine and black gum. 

The county took the premium at the Atlanta Exposition for the 
largest and finest specimens of wild cherry. Vast districts of the 
county are overspread with forests of timber. 

Transportation is afforded through the medium of the great 
Louisville & Nashville Railroad, which traverses it from the north 
to the south. Another railroad is in contemplation and is expected 
soon to be built from Birmingham to Guntersville on the Tennes- 
see River. This road v/ill penetrate the heart of the famous Mur- 
phree's Valley, and along its route, from one terminal point to 
the other, will prevail vast deposits, both of coal and iron. The 
road will prove of incalculable advantage to the population residing 
in the region through which it will pass. Such is the attractive- 
ness of this region that it will serve speedily to allure a popula- 
tion as soon as its resources of mine and ^oil are known. 

Excellent school and church facilities exist in almost every por- 
tion of the county. Blountsville, the 'seat of justice, Bangor, 
Summit, Flanceville and Garden City are places of importance. 
The industries of the county are varied. Extensive limeworks are 
seen at Blount Springs. Limestone dug from the quarries here is 
daily shipped in large quantities to Birmingham, where the manu- 
facturers hold it in repute above any other available limestone. 
It prevails in inexhaustible stores in hills about Blount Springs, 
Coal and iron are abundant in the county. Petroleum is also 
found. Enjoying, as it does, facilities for transportation to the 
markets of the South, North and all points in the far Northwest 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



nothing prevents Blount from taking rank with the foremost coun- 
ties of the State. 

Blount Springs, situated immediately upon the Louisville & 
Nashville Railroad, is the favorite watering place of Alabama. 
These famous springs are 130 miles north of Montgomery, and 
are embosomed in the most picturesque mountain scenery. The 
waters are especially adapted to the cure of scrofula, rheurnatism^ 
dyspepsia and all affections of the bladder and urinary organs. 

Here, as in the adjoining counties which lie along the railroad, 
the value of the lands diminishes as they recede from the line of 
communication. Land can be purchased in the county at prices 
ranging from ^5 to per acre. There are 34,320 acres of gov^ 
ernment land in Blount county. 



JEFFERSON COUNTY. 

This county leads all the other counties of the Mineral Belt in 
the development of its resources and in the progress which it is 
making in the manufactures. For several years past it has been 
a scdne of bustle and business, extensive mining and manufac- 
turing interests having sprung into existence in every part of the 
county. By reason of its advancement, it is annually attracting 
to itself yet other agencies which contribute to its growth. Every 
year it takes a new stride forward, and its county-seat, Birming- 
ham, is destined to be one of the leading manufacturing centers 
of the South. 

Jefferson county has an area of 960 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 12,345; population in 1880, 23,272; white, 
18,219; colored, 5,053. 

Tilled Land — 71,959 acres. Area planted in cotton, 14,220 
acres: in corn, 30,928 acres; in oats, 4,708 acres; in wheat, 10,- 
589 acres ; in rye, 83 acres; in tobacco, 55 acres; in sweet pota- 
toes, 504 acres. 

Cotton Production — 5 ,333 bales. 

Though the population is set down for 1880 at 23,272, it has 
to-day within its limits more than 50,000 inhabitants, who have 
been drawn thither from every State in the Union, and from every 
section of the civilized globe, by reason of its amazing facilities 
for obtaining a livelihood. 



62 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Jefferson county is cut into two unequal divisions by a long, 
narrow valley which traverses it from northeast to southwest. 
Directly northwest of this valley, and embracing nearly two-thirds 
of the territory of the county, are the coal measures of the great 
Warrior coalfield, while in the southeastern part of the county are 
the coal measures of the Cahaba field. Here, as elsewhere, the 
soil is dependent upon the character of the underlying rock—in- 
creasing or diminishing in richness with the fertility or sterility of 
rocks beneath. In the main, the soil in these regions is of mod- 
erate fertility. The surface of the county is broken and often 
mountainous. Upon the table-lands the soil is moderately pro- 
ductive, while in the valleys it is quite rich. Along the slopes 
are grown the grass.es and cereals, while the valleys are largely 
devoted to the production of corn and cotton. Jones Valley is 
regarded the richest section of the county. It has a mulatto soil 
based upon a red clay subsoil. Along this valley are found pre- 
vailing limestone springs, the waters of which are pure, clear, and 
cold. 

The productions of the county are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
barley, rye, potatoes (sweet and Irish), and peanuts. Garden veg- 
etables of every possible variety thrive almost the year around. 
The fruits which are grown in Jefferson county have made Birm- 
ingham one of the leading fruit markets of the State. Peaches, 
apples, plums, pears, apricots, pomegranates and grapes are raised 
in great profusion, and mature to perfection even with indolent 
culture. Vast sums of money are annually accumulated by fruit 
growers and vegetable producers in the country surrounding Birm- 
ingham. There is scarcely an industry manipulated by man but 
has an existence in the county of Jefferson. 

Stock-raising is receiving attention and will grow apace with the 
years, as the soil and climate favor the production of grasses and 
clovers, and the numerous competing railway lines will furnish the 
speediest transportation to the most favorable markets of the con- 
tinent. In addition to this, the county is well watered. Locust 
Fork of the Black Water River flows through the northwest, 
receiving Five Mile, Village and Valley Creeks. The southern 
and southeastern parts of the county are drained through Shades 
Creek, which flows into the Cahaba River. 

In every section are to be found forests of pine, oak, ash, hick- 
ory, elm, walnut and other valuable woods. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



63 



The mineral products of the county are simply marvelous. From 
present indications the resources of the county will not ex- 
hausted for centuries to come. Mammoth fortunes have been dug 
from the rocky hills, and yet they seem barely touched by the 
invading pick axe. Coal and iron seem to abound in exhaustless 
quantities. A better estimate of the abundance of these minerals 
will be had by glancing at the following table of local industries in 
and about the Magic City, Birmingham : 

Pratt Coal and Coke Company^s mines are situated six miles 
northwest of Birmingham; population about 5,000; capacity, 
3,000 tons per diem ; employs over 1,000 men and boys. This is 
the most extensively worked mine in Alabama. Colonel E. 
Ensley, President. 

Miner Coal and Iron Campany ; eight miles northeast ; capacity, 
1,000 tons per day; employs 500 men. 

Eureka Iron Company, Oxmoor, six miles south ; population 
exceeds 1,500; furnace number one, capacity, 60 tons per day; 
furnace number two, capacity, 100 tons per day; employs about 
600 men. 

Wheeling, Alabama ; eight miles southwest ; capacity of fur- 
nace, i?5 tons daily ; employs 350 men, and has six miles of rail- 
road to mines. 

The New Castle Coal and Coke Company, twelve miles above 
Birmingham ; number of men employed and capacity not given ; 
daily output, about 500 tons. 

Alice Furnace Company ; furnace number one, 70 tons capacity 
daily; furnace number two, 125 tons capacity daily; employs 
more than 500 men ; capital, ^500,000. T. T. Hillman, President. 

Sloss Furnace Company ; furnace number one, 80 tons capacity 
daily; furnace number two, 125 tons capacity daily ; employs 600 
men; capital ^500,000. J. W. Sloss, President. 

Mary Pratt Furnace ; DeBardleben & Underwood, proprietors ; 
charcoal iron furnace ; capacity, 60 tons per day ; employs 500 
men. 

Birmingham Rolling Mills Company ; twenty-four puddhng fur- 
naces, muck mill, merchant bar, large mill and guide mill ; 
employs 450 to' 500 men, double turn. 

Southern Mining and Transportation Company; capacity 1,000 
tons per day; employs 500 men. 

Birmingham Cotton Mills ; capital stock, $50,000; use 3,250 



64 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Spindles, 1 5 carders and 6 warping mills ; employ 70 operators. 
J. H.»Lockhart, President. 

Magic City Iron Works ; foundry and machine shop ; employ 
100 men ; Beggs & Son, proprietors, who also conduct a planing 
mill and sash and blind factory. 

Linn Iron Works ; manufacture engines, boilers, and all kinds 
of furnace, mill and plantation machinery ; employ 1 50 to 200 men. 

Jefferson Iron Works ; same as above ; employ about 200 men. 

W. P. Brewer ; manufactures lumber, sash, doors, blinds and 
furniture ; employs 65 to 100 men. 

The Louisville & Nashville Railroad Company's workshops at 
Birmingham give employment to over 1,000 men. 

The Georgia Pacific Railway Company employs about 500 men ; 
the Alabama Great Southern and various mineral roads give 
employment to perhaps 500 additional. 

It has besides the furnaces and industries already named the 
following enterprises : 

The largest and best equipped rolhng-mills south of Richmond, 
making iron rails and ail sorts of bar, plate and sheet-iron — being 
the only mills in the South that makes sheet-iron — and selling 
their product all over the South, West and Northwest. 

Eight foundries and machine shops, making from blowing engines 
for furnaces down — machinery, steam pumps, cast pipe, jail cells, 
railroad frogs, switches and turntables, and all manner of small cast- 
ings. Bridge works, two in number, one of which makes bolts and 
nuts also. A chain factory^ the first in the South. A stove 
foundry, making also grates and plumbers' pipe. Another in 
course of construction, for which the capital comes from Louis- 
ville, and which will probably be the largest in the South. 

Outside of iron there are these enterprises in the city : A gin 
factory, a cotton compress, now building ; an agricultural imple- 
ment factory, an ice factory, the capacity of which is to be increased 
from fifteen to forty-five tons a day ; another under way ; a brew- 
ery, a large flouring mill, pipe works, the largest consumer of 
pig iron in the South, taking the entire product of two large fur- 
naces — the first venture of Pittsburg manufacturers in Alabama; 
elevator and hoisting machinery works, a tool factory, a very large 
stove concern. 

The manufacture of the finest steel has been undertaken with 
the same success which has characterized every other institution 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



65 



established at this point. It would be practically impossible within 
the space allotted to Jefferson county to indicate the numerous 
industries, large and small, prevailing within and about Birmingham. 

This great city, which is alike the wonder of the resident and 
visitor, will no doubt in ten years have drawn to itself a popula- 
tion of 70,000. In addition to its mammoth industries which are 
barely hinted at above, the city can boast of as handsome resi- 
dences and hotels as any city in the South. 

Its public school buildings, its handsome church edifices, its 
street railway system, its electric lights and attractive public parks 
show that the city is not wholly engrossed with the spirit of accu- 
mulation of gain. 

As one passes along the spacious streets and broad avenues, he 
is struck with amazement at every step, when he remembers that 
only a few years ago the spot which it now occupies was a cast- 
away old field. 

While Col. McClure of the Philadelphia 'limes was en route to 
the New Orleans Exposition, three years ago, he wrote thus con- 
cerning Birmingham : 

* ' Three trunk railway lines cross each other in this city, giving 
it the best railway facilities of any interior Southern center, except- 
ing those of Atlanta. These lines, extending by main routes to 
the gulf, to the coast, to the east, to the lakes, and to the west, 
and reaching every part of the country by their connections and 
tributaries, furnish rare facilities for the development of the wealth 
that abounds here ; and new and important railway lines are soon 
to be added to them. And when it is considered that as railway 
outlets multiply, the great river highway of the Warrior will be 
hastened to completion, the business possibilities of this region 
would seem increditabie to the North, even when cautiously stated. 
Through the kindness of the Mayor and the President of the Board 
of Trade, I was enabled to visit and thoroughly examine the great 
coal mines and iron establishments which have created Birming- 
ham, and the universal activity and unerring signs of prosperous 
operations present a marked contrast with our coal and iron regions 
in the North. 

''There is a furnace here on a farm that furnishes everytking 
necessary to make iron — the iron ore, coal, limestone and sand — 
but the great beds of iron, coal and limestone are in a radius of 
four or five miles That these exhaustless sources of wealth in 



66 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



such close proximity must soon defy competition in the product 
of the ordinary iron, I regard as no longer a doubtful problem ; 
but it is yet doubtful whether the competition can extend to the 
better qualities of iron and steel. The manufacture of steel has 
not been attempted as yet, and while it is claimed that it will soon 
be produced here at the same relative cost as iron and equal in 
quality to the steel of Pennsylvania, I feel no assurance that it can 
be done at all. The faith of the iron men of Birmingham is so 
strong in its resources that they confidently claim everything for 
it possessed by any other iron district of the world, even to the 
blades of Damascus ; but here, as elsewhere in all the world, 
there will be material limitations upon the perfection of iron 
products." 

Since that time the change has been so great that the distin- 
guished Philadelphian would scarcely recognize the same city 
could he visit it now. The city limits have been greatly extended, 
the most expensive and attractive buildings have been erected, 
the population has been vastly increased, extensive dummy lines 
have been established so as to reach out in every possible direc- 
tion, extending sometimes the distance of fifteen miles, important 
railroads have been built and large suburban interests have grown 
up. Instead of the three railway trunk lines, to which allusion is 
made, there are now five^ viz : Louisville & Nashville, Queen & 
Crescent, Georgia Pacific, Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham, 
and Columbus & Western. Besides these there are extensions 
from the great systems which penetrate the regions adjacent to 
Birmingham in all directions. About Birmingham, as a common 
center, there have sprung up many 

SUBURBAN TOWNS. 

Among these may be mentioned Avondale, with a population 
of 2,ooo,*with its furnaces, stove works and other improvements. 
Its connection with the city is by rail, street car and dummy lines. 

Woodlawn is another town which, by its healthful and attrac- 
tive location and its railroad facilities, has won the admiration of 
all visitors. It is about four miles east of Birmingham, has a pop- 
ulation of 1,500, and is situated upon the Alabama Great South- 
ern, Georgia Pacific, and Columbus & Western railroads. By 
dummy line, passage to the city may be secured every few minutes. 
It is most attractive as a place of residence. 



'ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



67 



Between the two last-namec points is located the Birmingham 
Safe and Lock Factory. 

East Lake, six miles distant from the city, is a most picturesque 
town, which shows ahke the undulations of the foot-hills of the 
neighboring mountains and the grassy smoothness of Ruhama 
Valley. Its water is from crystal mountain springs, pure and 
healthful. It has a charming artificial lake of thirty acres, hand- 
some residences, and is the location of Lloward College — the Bap- 
tist institution of the State. It has connection with Birmingham 
by dummy transit. It is being rapidly peopled by an intelligent 
population, attracted hither largely by the excellent educational 
advantages enjoyed. 

Lake View is almost exclusively a resort for rest and pleasure, 
being provided with an immense hotel, a romantic artificial lake, 
for boating and bathing purposes, and extensive grounds for out- 
door sports. 

BESSEMER. 

This is a city of scarcely more than a year's growth. It is situ- 
ated upon the Alabama Great Southern Railroad of the Queen 
and Crescent system, and is about fourteen miles southwest of 
Birmingham. Already it has a population of 2, ^00, and its broad 
and 'well graded streets, its attractive architecture, its furnaces and 
adjacent mines, and its dummy and railway system give promise 
of vast possibihties. 

Several railway lines are already projected, and it is believed 
that they will be speedily constructed. 

The transportation facilities of the county are unexcelled, as it 
is penetrated by five of the grand railway thoroughfares of the 
South, viz: Louisville & Nashville, Alabama Great Southern, the 
Kansas City, Memphis & Birmingham, the Georgia Pacific, and 
the Columbus & Western. Other important lines are being turned 
in this direction, and some of these will seek Birmingham as a 
terminal point. Besides these there are many extensions from the 
main trunk lines. 

Excellent church and educational advantages prevail in all the 
points named in the county, while throughout the country dis- 
tricts a common school system is sustained. 

Lands may be purchased in the county for prices ranging from 
$2.^0 to ^50 per acre. Much as the inhabitants are engaged in 



/ 

68 ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



the development of this amazing section, they are never unmind- 
ful of the stranger seeking a home in their midst. 

Government lands exist in Jefferson county to the extent of 40,- 
000 acres of mineral districts. 



SHELBY COUNTY. 

The county of Shelby was constituted in the year 18 18. It 
received its name from Governor Isaac Shelby, of Kentucky. It 
is highly favored in location, climate, and mineral wealth. It is 
justly ranked one of the best counties of the State. Of late, rapid 
strides have been made in Shelby county in the development of 
her mineral wealth. Large interests of many kinds have been 
established and are in a thrifty condition. It has an area of 780 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 12,218; population in 1880, 17,236. White, 
12,253 ; colored, 4,983- 

Tilled Lafid — 58,550 acres. Area planted m cotton, 17,919 
acres; in corn, 26,159 a-cres ; in oats, 4,764 acres; in wheat,. 
6,294 acres; in tobacco, 10 acres; in sweet potatoes, 346 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,643 bales. 

The general surface of Shelby county is hilly and rough — feat- 
ures inseparable from a mineral district. Still, there are many 
valuable lands, for agricultural purposes, to be found. The north- 
western portion of the county is formed by the coal measures of 
the famous Cahaba coalfield ; the central part by those of the 
Coosa coalfield. Lying between these two natural divisions is the 
valley of the Coosa. Along these coal measures is to be found 
the usual rugged surface, and the soil is of a sandy character and 
not very fertile. The Coosa Valley, which extends the distance 
of thirty miles through the county, is based upon mountain 
limestone. It varies in v/idth from two to eight miles. The 
lower valley lands, formed of lime, clay, and vegetable matter, 
are quite fertile ; the higher lands of gravel and clay, are of infe- 
rior character. The lands in the valleys are esteemed altogether 
as good as those found in the famous Valley of the Tennessee. 
Corn and cotton grow luxuriantly here, and their yield, under 
favoring circumstances, is immense. In addition to these, Shelby 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



69 



produces oats, wheat, rye, barley, and indeed all crops grown in 
this latitude. Some portions of the county are peculiarly adap- 
ted to stock-raising. This is especially true of the region lying 
west of the valley already described. 

On the western boundary of the county is the Cahaba Valley, 
the width of which varies as does that of the Coosa upon the east. 
The characteristics of soil are the same as in the valley first men- 
tioned — fertile in the bottoms and thin and gravelly upon the 
highlands. 

The conditions in many portions of Shelby are quite favorable 
to the production of fruit, and -orchard culture is receiving, by 
degrees, more attention. 

The prevailing timbers are oak, hickory, chestnut, mulberry 
and pine. i\long the numerous valleys that intersect each other 
throughout the county is to be found the short-leaf pine ; while the 
knolls and uplands are crowned with the long-leaf pine. During 
the greater part of the year water prevails in vast abundance in 
every section of the county. 

The Coosa River forms the eastern boundary and receives the 
drainage of that portion of Shelby. Big and Little Cahaba Rivers 
drain the western part. 

Springs abound throughout the county. Issuing from beneath 
the pine-crowned ridges, that lie between the minor intersecting 
valleys, or else bursting from thousands of craggy mouths from 
the rocky hillsides, these springs flow down through the valleys 
in perennial streams, supplying water in richest abundance to man 
and beast 

But the peculiar glory of Shelby is her broad domains of coal 
-and iron, her vast treasures of stone, and her health-giving min- 
eral waters. Extensive manufactories of iron exist af the Shelby 
Iron Works, which have been in successful operation for thirty 
years, and at Helena, where are located the Central Iron Works. 
In addition to these interests are found the Helena coal mines, 
and the Montevallo coal mines. Furthermore, there are consid- 
erable lime-Vv^orks at Calera, Siluria and Longview, in the county. 
Some of these furnish lime as far south as Galveston, and as far 
north as Louisville and Cairo. 

In some of the limestone formations are to be found as superb 
building stone as exists in any quarter of the globe. Among these 
may be mentioned a light grayish-blue rock, dotted over with dark 



70 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Spots, black marble, yellow marble with black spots, gray and 
dove-colored marbles. These are quite durable, and serve admi- 
rably as ornamental building material. In the mountains, between 
the upper portion of Shelby and the St. Clair portion of the Caha- 
ba Valley, there is, in wonderful abundance, a beautiful sandstone 
that would serve for building purposes. Barytes and slate also exist. 

Just above Calera, on the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia 
Railroad, are the Shelby Springs, a favorite watering resort. The 
location is high and healthful, and the waters have valuable medic- 
inal properties. 

The advantages of transportation in the county are excellent. 
At Calera there is an intersection of the Louisville & Nashville 
Railroad, and the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad. 
The former of these lines runs north and south through the county, 
and the other almost east and west. AH the benefits accruing from 
competing lines are here afforded. 

The points of greatest interest in the county are Columbiana, 
the county-seat, with a population of about 500 ; Calera, which is 
locate^ at the intersection of the two railroads already mentioned ; 
Wilsonviile, Harpersville, Helena, and Montevallo. Excellent 
church and educational facilities exist at all these points. A com- 
mon school system under fa\orable direction exists throughout 
the county. 

The chief center of interest in the county is the growing town 
of Calera. Its name is of Spanish origin, and indicates the char- 
acter of the surrounding region, Calera being the Spanish word 
for lime. It has a population possibly of 2,000, and for a number 
of years has been the location of a large foundry. Within the last 
few years rapid advancements have been made. Besides its lime 
works it now has shoe factories, tanneries, spoke and hub works, 
handle factories, sash, door and blind factories, saw and planing 
mills, charcoal and wood alcohol establishments. 

The town supports good schools and churches, and has one of 
the best hotels in the State. It is located in the midst of coal, 
iron, lime, and excellent timber, and enjoys railroad facilities in all 
directions, being at the intersection of the Louisville & Nashville, 
and Ease Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroads. 

Throughout the county of Shelby there abound the facilities of 
human comfort, so great are the advantages of climate and the 
diversity of soils and mineral products. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



71 



Lands may be purchased at prices ranging from $2.CjO to ^25 
per acre. 

There exist 16^000 acres of government land in the county. 



TALLADEGA COUNTY. 

Talladega receives its nnme from two Indian words, tallafow, a 
town, and to kee, hills. It is separated from Shelby county by the 
Coosa River. For delightful scenery Talladega county, perhaps, 
leads every other in the State. While it has rugged mountains 
in all their native wildness, it has vast stretches of valley love- 
liness, dotted over with neat and thrifty farms, blending in a 
most charming manner the useful and the beautiful. Some por- 
tions of Talladega county will compare favorably with the famous 
Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. 

It has an area of 700 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 18,064; population in 1880, 23,360. White, 
10,856; colored, 12,504. 

Tilled La7td : — 113,389 acres. Area planted in cotton, 32,841 
acres; in corn, 40,376 acres; in oats, 9,278 acres ; in wheat, 13,- 
235 acres ; in rye, 143 acres ; in tobacco, 30 acres; in sweet pota- 
toes, 335 acres. 

Cotton Pfoduction : — 11,832 bales. 

Talladega county lies between a range of high hills on the east, 
and the Coosa River on the west. The prevailing soil is red, 
which fact is due to the presence of iron in almost every part of 
the county. This is the most productive soil found in this region. 
The valley lands east of the mountain ranges constitute the most 
attractive part of Talladega county, and it would be difficult to 
find anywhere a section w^hich has greater natural advantages than 
the belt of country lying east of the East Tennessee, Virginia 
& Georgia Railroad, and extending as far south as the Kahat- 
chee Hills. These broad and fertile valleys are interrupted here 
and there by ranges of lorest-covered mountains and hills, while 
an occasional stream of exceeding beauty lends additional charm 
to the scene. 

The most diversified farming is carried on in every part of the 
county, and with the most gratifying success. Cotton, corn, oats. 



72 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



and rye are the principal crops. Every vegetable that grows in 
the Temperate Zone is produced here. They thrive almost the 
year around. Fruits grow to wonderful perfection, especially 
apples, peaches, pears and grapes. The soil and climate seem 
peculiarly suited to the growth of grapes. The attention which 
has been given grape culture has been, in a number of instances, 
abundantly rewarded. Indeed, fruits of every variety flourish in 
these soils. Strawberries, raspberries, figs and melons will inevi- 
tably yield in proportion to the attention bestowed. All these 
products find a ready outlet through the different channels of com- 
merce afforded by the railroads, which traverse several parts of 
the county. 

Talladega is streaked here and there by perennial streams, almost 
all of which have their sources in the mountain ranges in the east, 
and flow entirely across the county to the Coosa River, which 
forms its extreme western boundary. Tallasseehatchee, Chehaw- 
haw, Cheekeleeke, Blue Eye, Talladega and Clear Creeks are the 
main streams. 

In every part of the county, perpetual springs gush from the 
hill ranges, many of which are freestone, while others are again 
impregnated with iron, sulphur and other minerals. Near the 
eastern border of the county, below the Kahatchee Hills, is 
found the well-known Sulphur Spring. It is said to possess 
the most attractive surroundings of all the watering places in 
Alabama. 

One of the coming industries of the county will be stock-rais- 
ing, as the greatest inducements to this pursuit exist in abundance. 
Luxuriant grasses and wild clovers grow spontaneously, and when 
cultivated they are quite fine. This consideration, taken in con- 
nection with the prevalence of perpetual streams, makes it a most 
desirable section for this branch of industry, which is just now 
assuming such proportions in the South. 

Within the limits of Talladega, are found extensive forests of 
splendid timber. These forests embrace a great variety of timber, 
consisting of yellow or long-leaf pine, the different varieties of oak, 
hickory, yellow poplar, black walnut, red cedar, ash, gum, elm, 
persimmon, and sassafras. 

In some instances there are broad domains of forest, as yet 
untouched by the rude hand of invasion. 

The minerals of the county are varied and valuable. Investiga- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



73 



tion has shown that there are three gigantic ranges of deposits of 
brown hematite ore running .throughout Talladega. These are 
calling into operation numerous furnaces, and are causing the con- 
struction of an increasing number of railway lines. The marble 
quarries of Talladega are noted ; limestone, lithographic stone, 
and slate are also found in considerable quantities, with large 
quantities of gold, silver, copper, and lead. Not until within the 
last few years has public attention been called to the vast mineral 
resources of this county. Since that time, there has been a con- 
tinual growth of population, and real estate is gradually increas- 
ing in value. Among the industries of the county, may be inen 
tioned the Clifton Iron Company, at Jenifer, the turnace at Iron- 
ton Junction (formerly Alabama Furnace.) Of late, extensive 
gold mines have been developed in the county and are now being 
worked with decided profit. 

Formerly there were worked near Talladega and Syllacauga, 
^ extensive marble quarries, but of late, the work has not been 
prosecuted to any considerable extent. A block of marble from 
these quarries has a place in the great Washington Monument, at 
the National Capital. These valuable marbles will again win atten- 
tion, and assume more than their original importance in the mar- 
kets. 

A gigantic enterprise, in the form of a lumbering interest exists 
at Renfroe, in Talladega county. It is located at the terminus of 
the Talladega and Coosa Valley Railroad, which is being extended 
across Coosa River to Broken Arrow, in St. Clair county, making 
connection with the East & West Alabama Railroad. Of late, 
unusual attention has been called to the Cragdale water power on 
Talladega Creek. This is a sudden plunge of a vast volume of 
water into a valley lying beneath. The hands of a Titan seem to 
have scooped out this great stony trough-way for the passage of 
these mighty waters, and to have reared these rocky ramparts on 
either side for some great industrial enterprise. 

The point of greatest prominence in the county is Talladega, 
the county-seat, with a population of 3, 500, It is noted for the 
enterprise of its citizens, the size and character of its institutions 
of learning, and the beauty and healthfulness of its location. Tal- 
ladega has a system of waterworks, superior perhaps, to those of 
any city of the same size in the South. It is beautifully lighted 
with gas. The citizens have recently erected an imposing school 



74 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



building, and have adopted the pubhc school system. Besides 
this, there are two colleges of merit in the city — one white and 
one colored. It has excellent churches, and is the location of the 
Deaf, Dumb, and Blind Institute of the State. 

Childersburg, Alpine and Mumford, are also points of interest. 
In the extreme southern portion of the county are the Talladega 
Springs, which have long been a favorite resort as a watering 
place. The popularity of such points with our people, together 
with the superiority of these waters, warrants the belief that they 
will one day be considerably patronized. 

The county enjoys considerable facilities for railroad transpor- 
tation, there being five lines, vix : The East Tennessee, Virginia 
& Georgia, the Georgia Pacific, the Anniston & Atlantic, the 
Columbus & Western and the Talladega & Coosa Valley Railroads. 
These will doubtless be largely increased in a few years, as Eng- 
lish and Northern capital is finding expression in different sections 
of the county in the purchase of timber and mineral lands, and 
already plans are on foot to establish furnaces near the city of 
Talladega. The social advantages of the county are numerous 
and superior. The masses of the population are more than ordi- 
narily intelligent, thrifty, and well-to-do. 

Lands may be purchased in the county from prices ranging 
from ^5 to ^35, according to location, fertility and improvements. 
There is a wide-spread desire to have earnest, wide-awake immi- 
grants populate the unoccupied areas of the county. There are 
in the county 20,000 acres of land belonging to the general gov- 
ernment, and this affords an additional inducement to settlers. 



ST. CLAIR COUNTY. 

This is one of the territorial counties of the State — having been 
founded in 18 18. It was named for General Arthur St. Clair. 
Like several others, in the same portion of the State, it is just 
coming into popular notice as a county of considerable wealth in 
minerals. Extensive interests have sprung into existence within 
the last two years in St. Clair county. Capitalists have resorted 
thither, and are still traversing the county in different directions 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



7? 



in search of the most profitable investments. Abundant reasons 
for this appear in the following : 

The area of St. Clair is 630 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 9,360; population in 1880, 14,462. White, 
1 1,621 ; colored, 2,841. 

Tilled Land — 65,105 acres. Area planted in cotton, 14,735 
acres; in corn, 2^,46^ acres; in oats, 4,603 acres; in wheat, 
9,841 acres; in tobacco, 53 acres; in sweet potatoes, 226 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,028 bales. 

The northwestern boundary of St. Clair county is formed by 
Blount Mountain, which is the southern end of one of the branches 
of Sand Mountain, already recognized as a part of the coalfields of 
Alabama. In the northwestern corner of the county Chandler's 
Mountain, about six miles long and two miles wide, is of the same 
formation. The Coosa coalfields, occupying a belt about five or 
six miles in width, runs' nearly parallel with the beautiful river, 
Coosa, which forms the southeastern boundary of St. Clair county, 
and at an average distance from it of three or four miles. In addi- 
tion to these, the northeastern extremity of the Cahaba coalfield 
runs up into St. Clair as far as the latitude of Springville. Between 
these hill and mountain ranges, which the coal measures always 
form, lie the chief valleys — Coosa Valley between, and the Coosa 
coalfield and Cahaba Valley between the Coosa and* Cahaba coal- 
fields. These valleys are broken here and there by narrow ridges, 
which run their entire length, creating a great diversity of soil. 
It will be seen that the county presents a great variety in its topo- 
graphical and other natural features. 

Here, as elsewhere, the fertile lands lie along the valleys, wh'ile 
the thinner soils crown the uplands. The Coosa Valley, which, 
as we have seen, lies along the eastern part of St. Clair, is about 
ten miles wide. The lands are quite productive, and are, for the 
most part, devoted to corn, cotton, wheat and oats. Cahaba 
Valley is also rich in soil, and is flanked on either side with charm- 
ing scenery. Big Canoe Creek Valley, which is about eight miles 
wide, is regarded the most attractive, in point of scenery, of all, 
and with respect to fertility is equal to any land in the State. 
Along these valleys grow the staple products of the county, viz : 
cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, barley, sorghum, sweet and Irish 
potatoes. 

The last national census shows that St. Clair county produces 



76 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



more cotton to the acre than any other county in the State. 
Along the slopes and table-lands of St. Clair grow the superb 
fruits which are produced, such as apples, pears, peaches, plums, 
and all varieties of berries. 

These mountain districts, because of their healthful climate and 
responsive soils, are being rapidly peopled. The broad plateau, 
known as Chandler Mountain, about six miles north of Ashville, 
embraces several thousands of acres of generous soil, and it is 
regarded the most favorable locality for orchard-culture in that 
section of the State. It is about seven or eight hundred feet 
above the surrounding valleys. This plateau is owned, in part, 
by the Alabama & Great Southern Railroad Company, and can 
be purchased at the marvelously low price of $2 per acre. Gov- 
ernment lands are to be found in the same region, where home- 
steads can be settled. 

In every part of the county grasses and clovers do well. The 
Japan clover grows luxuriantly and wild, furnishing herbage for 
stock from early spring to frost. 

Along the valleys, particularly, grow the finest specimens of 
oak timbers. The mountain-slopes are covered with valuable 
woods. In different portions of the county are found the several 
varieties of timber, such as long-leaf or yellow pine, white and 
red oaks, poplar, and hickory. Some of these compose vast" for- 
ests, which occupy much of the most productive land in St. 
Clair. 

The county throughout is streaked by perpetual streams, which 
are fed by innumerable springs of water. Chief among these 
streams may be named Broken Arrow, Trout, Shoal, and Canoe 
Creeks, and East and West Forks of the Cahaba River. The 
Cahaba River, which grows into such large proportions as it flows 
south, has its source among the hills of this county. Most of 
these streams are wide and deep, affording an endless supply of 
water, and furnishing many natural sites of industrial enterprises. 
The county is favored in its railroad advantages — there being four 
to give outlet to its products, viz : The Alabama Great Southern, 
Georgia Pacific, East & West, and Talladega & Coosa Valley 
Railroads. Mining interests of the county are being developed 
at Broken Arrow, Fairview, and Ragland's. Other important 
mineral plants are in prospect. 

Inexhaustible quantities of both brown and red hematite ore, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



77 



together with coal, exist throughout the county. Kaolin and 
marble are also found to some extent. Stones for building pur- 
poses prevail abundantly, and are of superior quality. Mineral 
springs are frequently encountered in this highly favored region. 
These will receive attention as the comparatively new country is 
developed and more largely populated. 

Already there are several watering-places of some note in St. 
Clair. Among these may be mentioned the Sulphur Spring, on 
the Alabama Great Southern Railroad, thirty-two miles above 
Birmingham ; the St. Clair Springs, near this line ; Springville, 
also, on this road, and Cooke Springs, on the Georgia Pacific .Rail- 
road. These are points of frequent resort, the medicinal virtues 
of whose waters are enhanced by the brace of the prevailing moun- 
tain air. 

One of the attractive features of St. Clair is the Coosa River, 
which forms its eastern boundary. The United States Government 
is engaged in opening up this charming stream, and soon packets 
will be plying between Greensport and Rome, Georgia. Immense 
advantage will thus be afforded pleasure and health seekers, as well 
as the business world. 

The places of greatest prominence in St. Clair are Ashville, the 
county-seat, Springville, St. Clair Springs, Broken Arrow, Branch- 
ville, Ferryville, and Cooke Springs — all of which are destined to 
attain considerable growth, because of their surrounding advan- 
tages. 

Good schools are found in every part of St. Clair, as well as 
excellent religious facilities. 

Good farming lands can be purchased in St. Clair county for 
from ^5 to $12 per acre. Mineral lands vary in price from ^5 to 
$2^ per acre. The inducements here offered are remarkably rare. 

St. Clair county embraces 25,960 acres of government land. 



78 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ETOWAH COUNTY. 

The county of Etowah derives its name from an Indian term 
which means pine tree. It was created in 1866 under the name of 
Baine, which name it retained for two years, when it was changed 
to Etowah. It is located in that section of the State which abounds 
in numerous elements of natural wealth, such as productive lands, 
forests of valuable timber, and deposits of ore. Pluck and capital 
are needed to develop the immense resources in which Etowah 
abounds. Favored both with railroad and river transportation, the 
county ought to be speedily developed. But let us examine more 
minutely into its merits. 

Its area is 520 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 10,109; population in 1880, 15,398. Whites, \ 
12,896; colored, 2,502. 

Tilled Land — 60,780 acres. Area planted in cotton, 15,187 
acres; in corn, 24,891 acres; in oats, 5,025 acres; in wheat, 7,063 
acres ; in tobacco, 47 acres ; in sugar cane, 9 acres ; in sweet 
potatoes, 230 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,571 bales. 

The county of Etowah is penetrated from the northeast to the 
southwest by two mountain plateaus and three valleys. The 
Coosa River flows through the eastern part oi the county, thereby 
forming the valley of the same name, the fertility of which we 
have had occasion already to notice. The historic Coosa sweeps 
directly along the heart of the valley, which curves with the nat- 
ural windings of the river. The valley begins to form by a slight 
undulation about three or four miles on either side of the Coosa. 

As in other counties penetrated by this noted Coosa Valley, it 
is broken here and there by dividing ridges. 

Beginning southwest of Gadsden and extending to the utmost 
limits of the county are what are locally known as ''The Flat- 
woods." This is quite a level tract of country. With the proper 
drainage this broad domain could be brought into agricultural 
requisition, but as it is but poorly drained it is comparatively little 
cultivated. Nothing seems wanting but drainage, as the natural 
growth and analysis of the soils show that the land is capable of 
at least moderate production. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



79 



Flanking the flatwoods region are the cultivated lands of the belt. 
The land here is of a brownish cast and produces well. The Look- 
out Mountain plateau extends from the northeastern part of the 
county to Gadsden. This table-land is covered with the rocks of 
the Coal Measures, the soils of which, as usual, are sandy, alter- 
nating with loam. 

Wills' Valley lies between this plateau and another from Sand 
Mountain, which runs parallel with the former. 

Beyond this still is Murphree's Valley. These valley lands are 
quite productive, being of a dark mulatto or mahogany color. 
These lands are usually stiff, but yield abundant results where 
properly drained, deeply plowed, and otherwise well cultivated. 
The lands lying along the ridges^nd plateaus are sandy and easily 
cultivated. Upon these plateau lands there can be a more rapid 
rotation of crops, as they grow up rapidly and mature speedily. 
In the valleys are forests of oak, hickory, chestnut, and walnut. 
The Flatwoods region is covered with post, red, Spanish and black- 
jack oaks, together with sweet and sour gums, and short-leaf pines. 
The chief products of the county are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
millet, sorghum, sweet and Irish potatoes and clover. The pla- 
teaus yield very fine fruits, especially apples, pears, peaches and 
plums. So well adapted are the soils to the production of the 
clovers and grasses that attention is being directed to stock-breed- 
ing. For many years the production of wool has been a specialty 
in the county. A few years ago it ranked third in the production 
of wool. The county is watered by Big and Little Wills' Creeks, 
Black Creek, and the Coosa River. There are many bold springs 
in different parts of the county. Transportation is furnished by 
the Alabama Great Southern Railroad, which connects with the 
steamers on the Coosa at Gadsden, by means of a short line run- 
ning between the last-named place and Attalla. oThis affords an 
easy outlet by rail from Gadsden to New Orleans, Cincinnati, 
Atlanta, Chattanooga, Birmingham, and other points of import- 
ance. Other railroads penetrating the county are the Anniston 
& Cincinnati, Tennessee & Coosa River, and Rome & Decatur 
lines. 

Considerable quantities of iron ore are mined in the neighbor- 
hood of Attalla and shipped to the furnaces at Birmingham and 
Chattanooga. In this particular section are many excellent lum- 
ber mills. 



8o 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



GADSDEN. 

Gadsden, with a population of 2,500, is one of the most attractive 
as well as one of the most important points in the State. Besides 
its beautiful river, upon which ply large packets, it has three im- 
portant railways, viz : Anniston & Cincinnati, Tennessee & 
Coosa Valley, and Rome & Decatur, It is but a short distance 
from the Queen & Crescent line between Cincinnati and New 
Orleans. It is regarded one of the best lumber markets in the 
State, having a number of extensive mills for the manufacture of 
lumber. Besides these, there is a large sash, door and blind fac- 
tory, and a broom handle factory. In the neighborhood of the 
town there are several coal mines which are being successfully 
worked. 

The town abounds in excellent church and school advantages. 

Its natural scenery can -not be surpassed by that of any other 
point in the State. 

The scene is that of a busy city nestled amid its native groves 
of oak at the base of high mountains, the woody flanks of which 
extend even to the limits of the city. 

Various manufactories are found here, chief among which are 
the Coosa charcoal furnaces, which are among the largest and best 
in the State. Not a great distance from the city is mined brown 
hematite ore, which is broadly diffused throughout this section. 
The extent of the prevalence of this ore has not yet been 
determined, but is evidently considerable. 

Sweeping past the city on the east is the Coosa River, upon the 
bosom of which float steamers of commerce which ply in both 
directions. In the sections adjacent to the town are many mineral 
springs, which are points of frequent resort. ' Black Creek Falls, 
but a short distance from Gadsden, are an object of great natural 
wonder. 

Attalla is another town of some importance because of its neigh- 
boring iron mines. 

Lands may be purchased at prices running all the way up from 
$2. 50 to $20. 

There are in the county 5,000 acres of government land. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 8 1 



DeKALb county. 

DeKalb county took its name from the famous Baron DeKalb. 
It was constituted in 1836. DeKalb lies in the extreme north- 
eastern corner of the State, and is bounded by Georgia on the 
east, its extreme northern point touching the line of the State of 
Tennessee. It shares largely in the fertile lands and mineral 
deposits, both of which abound in this section of Alabama. Its 
climate, hoaithfulness, favorableness of location, and natural 
sources of wealth, make it one of the most desirable counties in 
the State. ^ • ^ 

Area of the county, 740 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 7,126; population in 1880, 12,675. White; 
11,993; colored, 682. 

Tilled Land — 52,096 acres. Area planted in cotton, 7,469 
acres; in corn, 23,929 acres; in oats, 5,115 acres; in wheat, 6,846 
acres; in rye, 383 acres; in tobacco, 19 acres; in sweet potatoes, 
218 acres. 

Cotton Production — 2,859 bales. 

It will be seen that the population of DeKalb has been almost 
doubled within the last ten years, which serves .to indicate quite 
fully the estimate which is placed upon the county by immigrants 
and investors. This is due to the peculiar advantages offered in 
climate, diversity of productions, mineral deposits, and cheapness, 
of lands, all of which are chief factors in the prosperity of the 
county. DeKalb county is occupied in great part by the two 
plateaus of Sand and Lookout Mountains. The former of these 
constitutes a high plane, whose surface rocks are those of the Coal 
Measures. These two plateaus, of which that of Sand Mountain 
is the greater, are separated by Wills' Valley, which cuts entirely 
across the county trom northeast to southwest. This valley 
embraces the most productive lands of DeKalb. It is here that 
almost all the cotton in the county is produced. 

The land along the valleys was very highly prized by the first 
settlers of the county, and but little regard was had for that which 
lay along the plateaus. Later, however, the uplands were brought 
into use, and the result of their tillage has been peculiarly gratify- 
ing. 



82 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



They are not only cultivated with far less effort, but are found 
to be almost equal in production to the lower soils when assisted 
some with fertilizers. The lands of the county may th\is be 
divided in a general way between the dark, stift soils of the valley 
and the lighter soils of the plateaus. The staple productions are 
cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye and sweet potatoes. Grasses and 
clover flourish also, and the attention which is being given their 
production is tending to the improvement of stock. As is true 
throughout this entire section of the State, the lands upon the 
plateaus are those devoted to fruit culture. Apples, pears and 
peaches, and, indeed, all fruits grown in this latitude attain per- 
fection. Fruit trees thrive here for many years, and the crop is 
rarely killed or injured by frosts. Perhaps no section of America 
Can display finer specimens of plums than grow in this region. 
The principal timbers of the county are oaks, hickory, cherry and 
short-leaf pines. These exist in sufficient quantities for all domes- 
tic purposes. 

DeKalb county has the amplest water supplies for all purposes. 
Streams of rapid and deep cui rents afford inducements for the 
erection of machinery, while cool and everlasting springs issue 
from the hills in every section of the county. Lookout Mountain 
plateau is drained by Little River and its tributaries, while Sand 
Mountain is drained by Tom Creek and the numerous streams 
which empty into it. Prominent among the streams are Long 
Island, Scarham, Black and South Santa Creeks. 

Near Valley Head, in Lookout Mountain plateau, are where the 
beautiful falls of Little River occur. They are nearly one hun- 
dred feet in height, with a deep, rocky gorge below them. Iron 
and coal largely prevail in the county. In Wills' Valley there is 
found a superb quality of fire clay, which has become famous. 
It exists also in other parts of DeKalb. The kaohn of the county 
is very fine. Specimens displayed at the New Orleans Exposition 
took the first premium in 1885, and beautiful crockery manufac- 
tured from these porcelain clays was exhibited there. Railroad 
transportation is enjoyed by the people of the county, as the Ala- 
bama Great Southern Railroad penetrates it from northeast to 
southwest. Fort Payne, the county seat, CoUinsville, Lebanon, 
and Portersville, are the principal towns of the county. 

Public school system is good, and church facilities abound. 

Lands can be secured upon the most reasonable terms possible. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



83 



There are some government lands yet unsettled, being 16,000 
acres, and vast quantities of railroad lands which can be had at a 
marvelousiy low rate. In other sections, where land is purchasa- 
ble, it can be had for from $2 to ^25 per acre 

Numbers have availed themselves of the extraordinary induce- 
ments presented in securing public and railroad lands, and their 
.accounts of the advantages here presented to settlers are quite 
flattering. Thrifty immigrants will be greeted with a cordial 
welcome. 



CHEROKEE COUNTY. 

Cherokee county derives its name from the Indian tribe which 
-formerly inhabited it. The county was constituted in 1836, It 
is a border county lying alongside Georgia upon the east. Its nat- 
ural advantages are very great, especially those relating to its 
mineral richness. Its agricultural capabilities are also good. 
•Considerable enterprise has existed in the county for many years, 
and great progress has been made in the development of its 
resources, as its numerous mining interests will attest. 

The area of Cherokee is 660 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 11, 132 ; population in 1880, 19, 108. White, 
16,418; colored, 2,690. 

lilled Land — 88,819 acres. Area planted in cotton, 24,388 
acres; in corn, 33,373 acres; in oats, 7,477 acres; in wheat, 10,- 
085 acres ; in rye, 163 acres ; in tobacco, 82 acres ; in sweet pota- 
toes, 335 acres. 

Cotton Production — 10,777 bales. 

As will be seen from the statistics furnished, within ten years, 
-extending from 1870 to 1880, the population ot Cherokee was 
almost doubled. There has been a steady influx of population 
into the county which has increased with the years. More and 
more its numerous advantages in soil, climate, mineral wealth and 
location are being appreciated. 

The face of the county is generally uneven and sometimes 
mountainous, and like all the counties of this region, the upper 
lands are thin with very fertile valleys lying between. 

The cultivated soils of Cherokee are composed of red and brown 
loams which belong to the caves and valleys, and skirt the princi- 



84 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



pal Streams. Upon these lands most of the cotton of the countjr 
is produced. Then along the ridges and hills are found the thinner 
soils, which have a grayish cast and are mixed with a flinty gravel. 
The character of both these classes of lands varies very greatly 
with the different localities. Then there are what are called "the 
flatwoods, " which form a considerable belt in the county. Though 
this soil, when analyzed, shows that it has fine productive capa- 
bilities, it is but rarely cultivated, because care has not been taken 
to drain it. No doubt it can be brought into profitable cultiva- 
tion. Perhaps in no county in the State can there be found a 
greater diversity of soil than in Cherokee. 

The valley lands are almost entirely devoted to the production 
of corn, cotton, wheat and oats. Upon the higher or table-lands 
are produced excellent fruits, chief among which are apples, pears, 
peaches and plums. Fruit trees are but seldom disturbed by frost. 
With proper care and cultivation orchards growing upon these 
elevated lands become very profitable. The vine is cultivated with 
wonderful success along the mountains. 

Stock-raising in Cherokee is on the increase because of the rev- 
enue derived from the experiments already made. Herbage grows 
with such readiness and in such profusion as to encourage the 
greater production of stock. 

The growth of the forests comprises oaks (of the several varie- 
ties), hickory, chestnut, short and long-leaf pines. There is quite 
an extensive prevalence of pine forests in the county, which have 
given rise to many mills and log yards, which are established 
at convenient bluffs along the Coosa River, giving employment to 
many laborers. 

In several portions of Cherokee there are extensive and valuable 
deposits of iron ore, much of which is worked up in the furnaces 
along the East Tennessee, Virginia 8l Georgia Railroad. The 
following iron works are in successful operation in the county : The 
Stonewall Iron Company, Tecumseh Iron Company, Rock Run 
Furnace, Alabama Iron Company, Cornwall Iron Works, and 
Round Mountain Furnace. There is a fine cotton factory at 
Spring Garden. Rich coal deposits also exist in the county. 

Cherokee has an abundant water supply, being traversed by the 
Coosa, Chattooga, Yellow and Little Rivers, and Cowan's, Ball 
Play, Wolf, Spring, Terrapin, Yellow and Mill Creeks. All these 
are valuable streams, which are fed by numerous tributaries. This 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



85 



is the only county the heart of which is penetrated by the beauti- 
ful river Coosa. With the exception of Etowah, near whose east- 
ern boundary the river runs, it forms the border line of all the 
other counties which it waters. But Cherokee, it divides in twain, 
imparting fertility and beauty from limit to limit of the county. 
The waterways already named have almost without exception 
immense capabilities of water-power adapted to the planting of 
vast enterprises. 

The line between Cherokee and DeKalb counties runs along the 
summit of Lookout Mountain. 

The Broomtown Valley, in the northwest corner of Cherokee,' is 
worthy of special mention by reason of its fertility and romantic 
beauty. The grandeur of this section is enhanced by its bold and 
-clear streams, which ramify it throughout. 

Transportation is afforded the county by the East Tennessee, 
Virginia & Georgia Railroad, and the Coosa River. 

Center, the county-seat, and Cedar Bluff are the leading towns. 
Together with other centers of population, these possess good 
educational and religious advantages. At Gaylesville there is a high 
school of note. 

Lands range in price from ^$2.50 to $2^ per acre. The govern- 
;ment owns 20,720 acres of land in Cherokee county. 



CALHOUN COUNTY. 

This county was organized in 1832, and named Benton. This 
name it retained until 1858, when it was changed to the one it 
now bears, which was given in honor of the great South Carolina 
statesman. Calhoun has long been regarded one of the best agri- 
cultural counties in the State. This reputation it still enjoys. In 
addition to this, however, it is now regarded one of the leading 
counties in the fertility of its mineral resources. The progress 
which has been made in Calhoun within the last few years has 
been amazing, and serves to show what pluck and energy can 
achieve when coupled with the requisite means of progress. The 
vast mineral stores which have been discovered in the hills and 
-mountains of Calhoun are serving greatly to enrich the county, 



86 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



and by their development to benefit mankind. Looking at it more 
in detail we find that Calhoun has an area of 640 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 13,980; population in 1880, 19,591. White^ 
14,134; colored, 5,457. The population has greatly increased, 
within the last six years, until it is now estimated at 30,000. 

Tilled Land — 93,857 acres. Area planted in cotton, 26,435, 
acres; in corn, 33,714 acres; in oats, 8,852 acres; in wheat, 
10,745 acres; in rye, 287 acres; in tobacco, 29 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 283 acres. 

Cotton Production — 10,848 bales. 

The surface of Calhoun is hilly and uneven, and presents the 
usual characteristics of a mineral region. But the great variety of 
soils only indicates the vast diversity of productions, for the county 
seems capable of producing every plant that grows in the Tem- 
perate Zone. 

As will be seen from the above statistics, vast quantities of land, 
are tilled in the county, and the capacity of its soils may be judged, 
from the variety of its productions. In the valleys and along the 
numerous water courses are found the best lands in Calhoun ; but^ 
while they are capable of a greater yield per acre than the higher 
lands, they are more difficult of cultivation. The valley lands are 
usually chosen for cotton, while the uplands are generally devoted 
to the raising of corn, wheat, oats, rye and Irish and sweet pota- 
toes, which are the staple productions of the county. Many 
minor crops, such as peas and peanuts, are also annually produced. 

The finest lands of Calhoun are found in the Alexandria and 
Choccolocco Valleys, which are covered with splendid farms, and 
which support a thrifty and progressive population. 

The forests of Calhoun support pine (both long and short leaf),, 
red, black, white, post, turkey and Spanish oaks, hickory, walnut, 
beech, poplar, elm, ash and sweet gum. This fact, coupled with^ 
that of a vast supply of water in every part of the county, greatly 
enhances it as a place of residence. Through different portions of 
Calhoun there flow the Coosa River and Ohatchee, Cane, and 
Choccolocco Creeks. 

The mountain and hill sections abound in the finest springs^ 
some of which have water of almost icy coolness. Not least 
among the attractive features of Calhoun county is its fruit-pro- 
ducing capacity. Superb orchard fruits are raised in every part of 
the county. Apples, peaches and pears ripen quite readily, and,. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



87 



as they are but seldom interfered with by frosts, they become a 
source of revenue to fruit-growers. Cherries, grapes and plums 
flourish also with the greatest readiness. 

The orefields and limestone deposits of Calhoun county consti- 
tute its chief glory. From present indications these resources are 
practically exhaustless. Both brown and red hematite iron ores 
prevail in every portion of the county. Manganese, marble, kao- 
lin, sandstone, barite, copper, lead, lithographic stone and fire- 
brick clay are all found. Some of these exist in large quantities. 

Considerable attention is given to stock raising. At Alexan- 
dria Captain Crook has a fine herd of Jerseys. Near Anniston is 
another dairy and stock farm owned by Captain Bush, of Mobile, 

ANNISTON. 

This city of 10,000 people is one of the marvellous evidences 
of the spirit of energy and prosperity which has characterized the 
people of Alabama during the last decade. It is located in a beau- 
tiful green valley, and is engirdled by a rampart of high moun- 
tains. Nature seems to have designed the location for just such a 
city as is there being rapidly built. The valley inlets and outlets 
seem the natural gateways for the railroads No haste seems to 
have been exhibited in building the city, for the streets are 
adorned with architectural elegance, the sidewalks are paved, and 
the broad streets of eighty feet in width are admirably graded, 
macadamized, and guttered with stone. 

Every house is erected with a view to permanence. One of the 
chief objects of attraction is the Anniston Inn, a magnificent hotel, 
which crowns a slight eminence in the heart of the city. It has 
been built at a cost of ^160,000, and is an object of exceeding 
great attraction. In visiting that part of the city occupied by the 
operatives, the visitor can not help being impressed with the tran- 
quil contentment and happiness which seem everywhere to pre- 
vail. 

Its- industries began with four large furnaces. It has now in 
operation in addition to the furnaces, car works with ;^50,ooo capi- 
tal ; car wheel works and rolling mill, $200,000; compress and 
warehouse, ;$ioo,ooo; pipe works, $300,000; cotton mills, 250,- 
000; horseshoe works, bottling works, steel bloomary, $50,000; 
fire-brick works, $25,000 ; boiler shops, machine shops, planing 
mills, etc., $250,000; three banks; land company, $3,000,000; 



88 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



with water works, electric lights, costly churches, first-class 
schools, well graded streets, a large general merchandize business, 
and the finest hotel in the State. The capital of the Woodstock 
Iron Company is ;^3, 000,000. 

Jacksonville, the county-seat, with a population ot 1,500 is also 
a most desirable and growing town. Besides its superab social 
advantages, it has excellent churches and superior educational 
advantages. A large Normal school is established here, and it 
deservedly ranks with the largest schools in the State. In the 
surrounding country are many splendid farms. Stock-raising has 
received considerable attention, and is rapidly becoming one of 
the most profitable branches of industry in the county. 

Other points of interest are Oxanna, Oxford, Cross Plains, 
Morrisville, Germania, Choccollocco, and White Plains. The 
county ranks among the first in the State in its educational faciH- 
ties. At all the places named there are first-class schools. At 
Oxford there is a college of considerable repute. Transporta- 
tion is afforded by the East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia, 
Georgia Pacific, the Anniston and Atlantic, and the East and West 
Railroads. Advantages for religious worship exist not only in the 
centers, but throughout the county. 

Lands are purchasable at rates quite moderate for so progressive 
a section, where the tendency of real estate is invariably upward. 
Wild lands may be had at $5 and ^10 per acre, aid cultivated 
farms at ;^I5 and $$0 per acre. The climate and healthfulness of 
the county are excellent. 

The constant flow of population into Calhoun suflliciently indi- 
cates the spirit with which immigrants are met. 

There are in the county 16,000 acres of government land, which 
offers additional inducements to immigrants. 



CLEBURNE COUNTY. 

This county was created in 1866, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral Patrick R. Cleburne, of Arkansas. Though abounding in 
natural resources, the county is not as fully developed as some 
others in the same region. Since the construction of a Railroad 
throughout the county, giving its productions a ready outlet, it is 



ALABAMA AS IT IS^. 



89 



winning to itself a thrifty population, and in many ways the merits 
of Cleburne are coming more and more to be recognized and appre- 
ciated. Great inducements exist in the county for capitalists and 
immigrants, as its mines are stored with rich ores, and its land§ 
abound in fertility. The county has an area of 540 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 8,017; population in 1880, 10,976. White, 
10,308 ; colored, 668. 

Tilled Land — 51,428 acres. Area planted in cotton, 9, 1 56 
acres; in corn, 21, 552 acres ; in oats, 5,672 acres ; in wheat, 7, 504 
acres; in tobacco, 85 acres; in sweet potatoes, 221 acres. 

Cotton Production — 3,600 bales. 

Cleburne has a varied surface. In the northern end of the 
county there are rugged hills and mountains, with intervening val- 
leys of fertility. These valley lands are of a reddish hue, as is 
true of most of the lands of this character, in this and the north- 
ern portion of Alabama. The lands which lie along the ridges 
are of a light, grayish color. But few of the mountain lands have 
ever been cultivated, as the residents of the county have never 
felt the necessity of leaving the level for the higer districts. 

Along the slopes, however, there are good farming lands with 
yellow subsoil. The remainder of the county is covered with 
either red or grey lands, except in the creek and river bottoms, 
where the soil partakes largely of sand. In the western portion 
of the county there is a sparser population than in any other sec- 
tion, because the lands are regarded as the least fertile. Cleburne 
has many fertile valleys, which are mostly devoted to the produc- 
tion of corn, though some cotton is planted. Along these valley 
stretches are some of the best farms in the county. The lower 
portion of Cleburne abounds in red fertile lands. 

The productions are corn, cotton, wheat and oats, with minor 
crops of great importance. The soils are admirably suited to the 
production of apples and peaches. The clovers and grasses are 
found to thrive with great readiness, and hence, stock-raising is 
gradually receiving more attention. The county has many forests 
of excellent timber, the chief growth of which are white, red and 
Spanish oaks, short and long-leaf pine, walnut, hickory and gum. 
For many years a gold mine has been successfully worked at 
Arbachoochee. The same ore is also found near Hightower. In 
different parts of the county, copper, mica, slate, graphites, 
pyrites, zinc and kaolin, are found prevailing. Iron deposits also 



go 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



exist. Silver has also been discovered. These await capital in 
order to be properly developed. 

The supplies of water in every portion of Cleburne are unfail- 
ii^ig, as it is penetrated by such streams as the Tallapoosa River, 
and Terrapin, Muscadine, Cane, Shoal, Cahulga, Chulafinnee, 
Dying and Lost Creeks. All these are sustained by numerous 
tributaries, which contribute further to the supply of water. 

The places of greatest importance are Edwardsviile, the county- 
seat, Heflin, Arbachoochee and Chulafinnee. 

At Edwardsviile there is a High School of local note, and at 
Heflin there is an Institute, both of which are well conducted and 
handsomely sustained. Other good schools are found in different 
parts of the county. 

The channels of transportation are, the Georgia Pacific Rail- 
road, and the East and West Railroad — the former a magnificent 
thoroughfare, giving an outlet to each of the cities of Anniston 
and Atlanta. 

The Alabama Land and Mineral Company own about 40,000 
acres of land in Cleburne, which can be purchased at remarkably 
low figures. Besides these, there is a great deal of government 
land in the county still untaken, there being 50^000 acres. Lands 
can be purchased from resident owners for from $2 to ;^io per acre. 



CLAY COUNTY. 

This county was created in 1866, and took its name from the 
great Kentucky statesman, Henry Clay. Like other interior coun- 
ties in Alabama, the mineral and agricultural properties are not as 
yet fully recognized and appreciated. It is remote from lines of 
transportation and is not as accessible as other portions of the 
State which have won distinction among capitalists, and yet are 
not a whit In advance of Clay. When the productive soils, the 
v.aried minerals, and the vast water-power of the county shall 
attract public notice, gateways of commerce will be opened, and 
its hills and valleys will teem with a population. 

The area of Clay is 610 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 9,560; population in 1880, 12,938. White, 
11,870; colored, 1,068. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



91 



Tilled Land : — 57,972 acres. Area planted in cotton, 13,921 
acres ; in corn, 24, 503 acres ; in oats, 4,834 acres ; in wheat, 9,785 
acres; in tobacco, 85 acres; in sugar cane, 10 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 237 acres. 

Cotton Production'. — 4,973 bales. 

Clay county is varied both with respect to the face of t?ie coun- 
try and the character of the soils. The western portion is a moun- 
tainous region with a dark fertile soil. The eastern portion has a 
varied surface with a soil of sandy loam. A mountainous ridge 
penetrates the county from the southwest to the northeast. Most 
of the lands lying adjacent to this ridge are very productive. In 
the northern end of Clay and west of this range is a valley of 
exceedingly rich farming land. The bottom lands which lie along 
the streams which water the county are generally productive. A 
belt of ''flatwoods'' four or five miles wide is found east of the 
ridge lands. This belt is covered with a mixed" growth of oaks 
and pine and has generally a gray and somewhat sandy soil. 
Throughout the county the gray lands are regarded the best for 
farming purposes. 

The bulk of the cotton crop of Clay is raised in the southern 
and eastern parts of the county, because of the superiority of the 
soils. The chief productions are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, and 
sweet potatoes Orchard and garden fruits also do well. 

The timbers of the county include both short and long-leaf pine, 
with blackjack and other oaks, hickory, sweet gum, walnut, 
poplar, crab apple, persimmon, ash, maple, dogwood, and alder. 
The mountains and hillsides are covered with the heaviest timbers. 
The timber and lumber trade is one of the future industries of 
Clay county. 

Gold, silver, barytes, tin, manganese, pyrites, soapstone, iron, 
copper, copperas, mica, graphite and slate are found in different 
parts of Clay. The Confederate authorities, during the last two 
years of the war, secured much sulphur from this county. for the 
manufacture of powder. 

The water-power of the county is immense. The inclination of 
many of the streams is great, imparting a mighty momentum to 
the descending waters. Big Kitchabadarga, Talladega, Hatchet, 
Hillabee Hatchee, Enitochopka, Condutchkee, Crooked, and Mad 
Indian creeks are the main streams. The county is abundantly 
upplied, too, with perennial springs of freestone water. 



92 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Ashland, the county-seat, with a population of 300, Lineville 
and Delta are the principal points of interest. Excellent schools 
of a high grade are found at all these points. 

There are 40,640 acres of government land in Clay county. 

If purchased now lands can be secured in the county at marvei- 
ously low rates. 

The residents and land owners are anxious for an increased popu- 
lation and greater prosperity. While the county possesses exten- 
sive advantages, as will appear from the foregoing statements, 
capital is needed to bring its divers resources into note and to 
prompt the construction of lines of transportation. 

Lands may be purchased as low as $1 per acre, while the most 
improved can be had from $S to $15 per acre. 

Those desiring homes may be sure of a cordial welcome in this 
county. 



RANDOLPH COUNTY. 

The county of Randolph was created in 1832, and named for the 
famous John Randolph, of Virginia. Its natural advantages are, 
in many respects, superior. Its climate is salubrious, lands good, 
tone of society elevated, and health unsurpassed. It has been 
styled "the Switzerland of America." 

During the last census (1880) the census official of the county 
rendered in his report at Washington, only to have it returned to 
him for correction respecting his mortuary statements, the Wash- 
ington official declaring that the death rate was so low, he sup- 
posed some mistake had been made. The original report was 
returned to Washington unchanged, as no error had been com- 
mitted. 

The area of the county is 610 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 12,006; population in 1880, 16,575. White, 
13, 155 ; colored, 3,420. 

Tilled Land — 81,426 acres. Area planted in cotton, 23,177 
acres; in corn, 29,595; in oats, 4,850 acres; in wheat, 10,156 
acres ; in tobacco, 44 acres; in sweet potatoes, 433 acres. 

Cotton Production — 7,475 bales. 

Though the soils of Randolph are less fertile than those of other 
regions, it has advantages for the farmer which are not enjoyed in 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



93 



counties of superior lands The soils are of average fertility, and 
on account of deep clay subsoil and abundant rainfall, are quite 
reliable for agricultural purposes. Not more than one-fourth of 
the forests of Randolph have been cleared for purposes of agri- 
culture. The lands of the county are easily tilled, and when aided 
by manures make a handsome return. The chief crops are corn, 
cotton, wheat, .and oats. Several varieties of grass have been 
introduced into the county and the results have been very satis- 
factory. Redtop and orchard grass thrive with readiness. 

Fruit growing is gradually receiving more attention. The more 
elevated lands of Randolph produce an unfailing crop of peaches, 
there having been but one failure in thirty-five years. The lands 
along the hilly slopes are peculiarly adapted to the production of 
grapes. Indeed, all the fruits and vegetables known to this lati- 
tude grow to perfection in Randolph. The farmers of the county 
are well-to-do, and, for the most part, produce everything for 
home consumption. 

Like other counties, the absence of railroad transportation has 
prevented attention being given the minerals of Randolph. In 
gold, copper, mica, tin, graphite and kaolin it is doubtless one of 
the richest counties in the State, All these are found mainly in 
the northern portion of Randolph. The kaolin is of superior 
quality and is inexhaustible. The main deposit of ore of the Stone 
Hill copper mine is on the Randolph side. The supply of mica 
is considerable and of superior quality. 

The timbers of the county include pine, oak and hickory, which 
vary with the changing soils. About three-fourths of the county 
are still covered with splendid forests which, in some instances, 
include considerable districts of the yellow or long-leaf pine. 

The East Alabama Railroad has been built to Roanoke, and 
when completed to Anniston, the county of Randolph will be 
traversed by it, and thus will be furnished a valuable line. The 
Atlanta & Atlantic Railroad will also run through it. 

The count}^ is penetrated by the Tallapoosa and Little Talla- 
poosa Rivers, High Pine, Corn House, Fox, Bear, Cat, Nose, 
Piney and Chillisada Creeks and their numerous tributaries. The 
springs and wells afford a superb freestone water which is rem.ark- 
ably cold. The depth and grade of clay in Ra'i\dolph accounts 
for the purity of its waters, and the excellent w^ater and salubrious 



94 ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



air accounts for the wonderful health enjoyed by the inhabitants 
of the county. 

Roanoke, Wedowee, the county seat, and Rock Mills are the 
points of interest. These, as well as other points in the county, 
are well supplied with churches and schools. At both Rock Mills 
and Wedowee there are high schools of merit, while at Roanoke 
is to be found the Roanoke Male and Female College, an institu- 
tion of note in this section of the State. At Rock Mills, an enter- 
prising village, there is a large cotton factory, a tannery, pottery, 
and cabinet establishment. 

Lands may be purchased for from $2 to $^ per acre. 

The people are fully alive to the importance of immigration and 
are prompted to encourage all seeking homes to consider the 
claims of Randolph, 

There are 10,000 acres of government land in the county. 



CHAMBERS COUNTY. 

Chambers county was created in 1832, and named in honor of 
Hon. Henry Chambers, of Madison county. It is one of the 
boundary counties on the east, and is separated from Georgia by 
the Chattahoochee River. Area of the county 610 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 17,562; population in 1880, 23,440. 
White, 11,364; colored, 12,076. 

Tilled Land — 149,283 acres. Area planted in cotton, 70,934 
acres; in corn, 49,306 acres; in oats, 9,258 acres; in wheat, 
11,520 acres; in tobacco, 39 acres; in sugar cane, 211 acres; in 
sweet potatoes, 1,038 acres. 

Cotton Production — 19,476 bales. 

The general surface of Chambers is neither mountainous nor 
level, but is rolling. The northwestern portion is pine land with 
gray soil. All the remainder of the county, with but little excep- 
tion, is mulatto soil with red clay subsoil. 

Originally these lands were covered with a growth of oak, hick- 
ory, chestnut, gum, etc. Professor Toumey, late State Geologist 
of Alabama, remarked on one occasion, that there were not forty 
acres of land in the county on which an industrious man would 
fail to make a competent support. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



95 



Chambers is regarded the best average county in Alabama. 
The subsoil is of such character that the surface can be made the 
most productive possible. Nearly every part of the county is 
susceptible of cultivation, and but little difference exists as to the 
capacity for productiveness. The land is red, mulatto or gray. 
The red is better for grain, if no fertilizers are used, and the 
gray is better suited to the production of cotton. The mu- 
latto-colored lands are best suited to all crops, and mature 
their crops earh'er. While the red lands seem better suited to 
the growth of grain, a considerable proportion of cotton is 
raised upon them. These red lands have from the first been 
selected by farmers, and it rarely occurs that any large areas 
can now be found which have not been put in cultivation. One finds 
the palatial mansions of the typical Southern planter of the long 
ago, embowering in magnificent groves of native oak, situated 
almost invariably in the midst of these lands. 

The timbers of Chambers are mostly of oaks, and nowhere on 
the continent can more luxuriant groves of red, Spanish, white 
and post oaks be seen than upon the red, rolling lands of this 
county. An occasional belt of yellow or long-leaf pine is found. 

The ordinary fruits of this latitude grow in Chambers quite 
readily, but it seems peculiarly suited to the production of peaches, 
Professor Eugene A. Smith, the present State Geologist, is 
reported to have said that Chambers is the most reliable county 
for the production of peaches that can be found in the United 
States. 

The county is watered chiefly by the Tallapoosa and Chattahoo- 
chee Rivers and their tributaries. 

The mineral resources of the county are, as yet, unknown. 
Only such specimens are found as favor the conjecture that they 
exist. This is true of iron ore. Corundum is found in great 
quantities in Chambers. In the northern part of the county is a 
beautiful soap-stone of gray and blue, which admits of as fine 
polish as marble. A belt of this beautiful stone extends across 
the county. It is manufactured into monuments and tombstones. 
Granite and graphite also exist. 

Large mills for grinding corn and wheat are found at different 
points in Chambers. There are two cotton factories in the county, 
one near West Point, on the Chattahoochee, and the other upon 
the same stream, but lower down. 



96 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Chambers is favored with three lines of railway — the Western 
Railroad, which is the main line between Montgomery and Atlanta, 
and the Columbus & Western, and the East Alabama & Cincin- 
nati Railroad, which terminates, at present, in the county. 

LaFayette, the county-seat, with a population of 1,500, Bluff- 
ton, Cusseta, Fredonia, and Milltown are places of importance 
and have good educational and religious advantages. There is an 
admirable system of free schools throughout the entire county. 
One of the attractive points in Chambers, and one which illustrates 
the capability of the soils to produce fruit, is the famous Parneli 
Peach Farm, in the southeastern part of the county. It embraces 
over one thousand acres of fruit trees. The proprietor gathers 
much of his delicious fruit as early as the beginning ot May, and 
sends it to remote points, such as New York and Chicago. Fresh 
and well-matured peaches command almost fabulous prices in 
these markets at so early a season. The annual income of this 
fruit farm is immense. 

The owner of this farm is a brother of the famous Irishman so 
conspicuous as a defender of his people in the British Parliament. 

Many hundreds of acres of land are lying idle in this county 
awaiting the hands of the tiller. Every disposition exists on the 
part of the residents to induce investors to purchase farms and 
homes, and settle in their midst. To those thus coming the most 
reasonable rates will be offered. In some parts of the county 
lands may be purchased for $2 per acre, while the best lands will 
not exceed ^10 per acre. Health, climate, superior water, excel- 
lent soil, the best social advantages, and a warm welcome are 
among the inducements presented to immigrants and investors by 
the people of Chambers county. There are 160 acres of govern- 
ment land in the county. 



LEE COUNTY. 

This county was established in 1866, and named for General 
Robert E. Lee, of Virginia. Highly favored in its location, with 
respect to the markets and transportion, as well as in regard to 
healthfulness, generous soils and educational facilities, Lee is a most 
desirable place of residence. Of these numerous advantages we 
shall have occasion to speak further on. Let us look somewhat 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



97 



into the internal resources of the county. It has an area of 6io 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 21,750; population in 1880, 27,262. 
White, 12,217; colored, 15,045. 

1 tiled Land — 122,875 acres. Area planted in cotton, 51,889 
acres ; in corn, 30,137 acres; in oats, 11,918 acres; in wheat, 
8,697 acres; in rice, 10 acres; in tobacco, 11 acres; in sugar cane, 
208 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 925 acres. 

Cotton Prodnctio7i — 13, 189 bales. 

Lee county is divided into two distinct sections with respect to 
its topography. In the north the surface is hilly, while in the 
south it is more level. 

The several characters of soils are gray, red and sandy. Perhaps 
a little more than one-half of the tillable soil of Lee is gray. In 
other parts there is a distinct predominance of red land, while in 
others again, there is such a blending of the gray and red soils as 
to render it impossible to decide which prevails. The gray land 
is preferred for cotton, while the red lands are devoted, usually, 
to the grains. Crops grow with great readiness, and the lands are 
quite productive, especially when aided with fertilizers. 

The character of the soils is such, and the undulation of the 
surface such, too, that farm work may be resumed soon after the 
heaviest rainfall. 

The staple productions of Lee, are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
sugar-cane and sweet potatoes. The generous yield of the soils, 
the ease of cultivation, and the accessibility to market, serve as 
inducements to the planters to raise large quantities of cotton. 
This is consequently the one ruling staple of the county. 

Orchard culture is receiving greater attention with the advance 
of years. 

Special attention has been devoted to the production of peaches 
and grapes, and with the most gratifying results. Extensive 
orchards and vineyards are now being planted in some parts of the 
county. Greater attention is also being given to the production 
of watermelons, to which the red lands, when fertilized, seem 
peculiarly adapted. The ready growth of this fruit, and the rapid 
transit to several markets in higher latitudes, are serving to stimu- 
late producers to turn it to pecuniary advantage. 

In Lee county there is an occurrence of white crystalline dolo- 
mite. In appearance it resembles white marble, and may be used 



98 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



for hearths, mantels, gravestones and monuments. It produces 
an. excellent lime also. Besides this, there are to be found barytes, 
flagging-stone, soapstone and granite. The forests abound in 
good timber, including short-leaf pine, the upland oaks, hickory, 
poplar, ash, maple, dogwood, the gums, and cherry. 

The streams of the county, are the Chattahoochee River, and 
Wacoochee, Naufaba, Songahatchee, Big Hallewackee, White's, 
Wetumpka and Osanippa Creeks. These show a prevalence of 
water throughout the year. In addition to these, there is the 
presence of springs in every part of the county, and sometimes 
there are springs with mineral qualities. Either for plantation or 
domestic consumption, and for all mechanical purposes there is an 
abundant water supply. All the streams on the eastern side of 
the county flow into the Chattahoochee. The western portion is 
drained by the Tallapoosa. 

The transportation facilities of Lee are superior. The Western 
Railroad of Alabama, the Columbus & Western, and the East 
Alabama and Cincinnati Railroads run through different portions 
of the county. 

Conspicuous among its industries are the Chewacla Limeworks, 
near Youngsboro, on the Columbus & Western Railroad. The lime 
from these works is marketed through the several States of Alabama, 
Georgia, Florida, Mississippi and Louisiana. There is also a car- 
riage and wagon factory at Opelika, besides other minor mechani- 
cal industries. 

The prominent points are Opelika, the county-seat, having a 
population of 3,500, Auburn, Salem and Brownville. 

The educational advantages of the county are superior. Opelika 
has two schools of a high order, both for male and female. 
Auburn is the seat of the Agricultural and Mechanical College 
of the State, and good common schools exist throughout the 
county. 

Good lands can be purchased in the county from prices ranging 
from ^3 to ;^I5 per acre. 

Purchasers of lands and seekers of homes would be accorded 
every consideration in Lee. 

The county has no government lands. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



99 



TALLAPOOSA COUNTY. 

The county derives its name from the beautiful river which 
enters the northwestern portion and traces its course diagonally 
across it. It is one of the counties of the State the resources of 
which are but measurably known. Its agricultural capabilities 
have been somewhat tested, and in some particulars it leads -the 
other counties of the State. Its mineral wealth is supposed to be 
considerable from the indications afforded. To these items our 
attention will now be directed somewhat in detail. 

The county has an area of 8io square miles. 

Population in 1870, 16,963 ; population in 1880, 23,401 ; white, 
16,108; colored, 7,293. 

Tilled Land — 143,1^ acres. Area planted in cotton, 41,200 
acres: in corn, 41,41 5 acres ; in oats, 9,106 acres; in wheat, 14,- 
572 acres ; in tobacco, 21 acres ; in sugar cane, 41 acres ; in sweet 
potatoes, 408 acres. 

Cotton Production — 14,161 bales . 

The county has two predominating varieties of soil — the red 
and the gray. These soils usually rest upon a subsoil which is 
more or less reddish or yellowish in color. Here, as in the adjoin- 
ing counties, the red soils are usually best suited to the produc- 
tion of grain. In addition to the prevailing upland soils of red 
and gray there are fertile bottoms, the richness of which has been 
derived from the washings of the neighboring hills. In some cases 
these are the best lands found in the county. These lowlands 
embrace about one-sixth of the entire county. 

The cotton soils of Tallapoosa are the red and gray soils, and 
some of the bottom lands along the river and creeks. 

In addition to these, the loamy lands of the southern end of Tal- 
lapoosa are much used for the production of cotton. Most of the 
cotton raised in the county is produced in the southern sections, 
because of the prevalence of the soils best adapted to its growth. 

Upon the best^rain lands are produced from thirty to forty bush- 
fels of corn per acre. The other chief productions of Tallapoosa are 
oats, wheat, sorghum, sweet potatoes, etc. It leads all the other 
counties in the State in the production of wheat. 



lOO 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The forests are heavily timbered with white, red and Spanish oak, 
poplar, hickory, pine, ash, mulberry and gum. These valuable 
timbers will be brought into requisition as the demand grows for 
their use in the mechanical arts. 

The county is watered by the Tallapoosa River and the Hillabee, 
Chattasof ka. Big Sandy, Little Sandy, Sorgahatchee, Buck, Elke- 
hatchee. Blue, Winn and f^muckfaw Creeks. Immense water-power 
prevails in every section of the county and upon all the principal 
streams, notably upon Big Sandy and Hillabee. The incline planes 
over which the vast volumes of water are precipitated give them 
immense power for manufacturing purposes. In the southern end 
of the county are the famous Tallapoosa Great Falls, which possess 
the greatest water-power in the State. The water rushes along a 
steep declivity for two hundred yards, the inclination being fifty- 
three feet. The power is estimated at thirt^^-thousand-horse. Adja- 
cent to the falls are vast quantities of granite rock, while immense 
forests of yellow pine timber extend backward into the interior for 
many miles. All indications point to this wonderful locality as 
one of the future centers of Southern manufacture. The famous 
Tallassee Cotton Mills are located upon the western side of the 
river, in the county of Elmore. 

The minerals of Tallapoosa are numerous and abundant, and the 
indications are that they will soon prove immensely valuable to the 
county. There have been some rich finds of gold, even of late, in 
Tallapoosa. In the Terrel Mine, at Log Pit and Ely Pit, consid- 
erable quantities of gold are dug. Near Dadeville has been dis- 
covered gold which promises to yield abundantly. Silver has been 
discovered, but the extent of its prevalence is not known. 

Near Dudley ville there are outcroppings of superior mica. Plates 
have been picked up fully eight inches square. Graphite is also 
found. Asbestos and emery exist in different sections of the 
county, and in some quarters asbestos, particularly, is found to be 
abundant. Through Dudleyville and Dadeville there passes a 
broad belt of magnesian rocks, chiefly soapstone ; this prevails 
immense quantities. Flagging-stone also prevails. 

The chief towns are, Dadeville, the county-seat, with a popula- 
tion of 1,500, Dudleyville, Alexander City, Camp Hill, and Davis- 
ton. 

At each of the towns of Dadeville, Camp Hill, Daviston, Alexan- 
der City, and Hackneyville there is a high-school, with good 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



lOI 



common school facilities existing throughout the county. A moral 
and religious sentiment prevails, which finds expression in good 
Sunday-schools and numerous churches of the various denomina- 
tions. 

A channel of transportation exists by reason of the completion of 
the Columbus & Western Railroad to Birmingham. This gives an 
outlet in both directions — to the principal cities of the East and 
West. 

Good lands may be purchased in the county at prices ranging 
from ^3 to $12 per acre. Immigration is earnestly desired by the 
residents of the county. 

Tallapoosa county contains 4,000 acres of government land. 



COOSA COUNTY. 

The county of Coosa derives its name from the beautiful River 
-of the same name which forms its western boundary. In admira 
tion of the sparkling water of the stream, the Jndians named it 
rippling, which is the translation of Coosa. The county was organ- 
ized in 1832. It partakes largely of the characteristics which prevail 
in the adjoining counties. Both as a mineral and agricultural county, 
Coosa is greatly favored. It has an area of 670 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 11,945; population in 1 880, 15,113. White, 
10,050; colored, 5,063 

'filled Land — 80, 79 1 acres. Area planted in cotton, 26, 468 acres ; 
in corn, 29,990 acres; in oats, 5,325 acres ; in wheat, 9,735 acres ; 
in tobacco, 28 acres; in sweet potatoes, 412 acres. 

Cotton Production — 8,411 bales. 

The face of the country is uneven, being diversified with preci- 
pitous hills, deep valleys, beautiful terraces, with broad districts of 
undulating surface. The character of the soils is varied. The 
dominating lands are the red and gray, with occasional belts of 
thinner soils, which are mostly found along the hills and ridges. 
There are also many broad and beautiful valleys in the county, the 
productiveness of which exceeds that of any other land. Upon 
the lands which skirt the streams are found the splendid cotton 
fields of Coosa, as well as upon the best red and gray uplands. 
These valleys have a considerable depth of rich soil, mixed with 



102 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



vegetable matter — the accumulations of ages. The principal crops 
are cotton, corn, oats, wheat, sweet potatoes, and sorghum. The 
three crops first named grow to rank luxuriance when planted 
upon lands favorable to their production. The soil is capable of 
producing valuable grasses, and the fine stock in which the county 
abounds shows what may be accompUshed in this branch of indus- 
try. 

Near the center of the county, between two of its principal 
streams, are found many high ridges which are clad in the noblest 
specimens of yellow or long-leaf pine. This dristrict of valuable 
timber extends to the Talladega line. The other timbers com- 
prise several kinds of oak and hickory, together with occasional 
patches of short-leaf pine. 

Embosomed in the numerous high hills, already mentioned, 
which prevail between Weogufifka and Hatchet Creeks, are depos- 
its of iron ore which seem inexhaustible. A granite belt of value 
exists between the towns of Bradford and Rockford. Tantalite, 
copper, tin, asbestos, emery, soapstone, corundum, kaolin, with 
traces of gold and silver, are also found. 

At Kellyton is a thriving cotton-mill, known as the Bradford 
Factory. Water-power is abundant in the multitude of streams 
that flow through Coosa, chief among which are Coosa River, 
Hallet, Weoguffka, and Paint Creeks. Rockford, Kellyton, 
Bradford, Nixburg, and Goodwater are the principal towns. The 
Columbus and W estern Railroad has been extended to Birming- 
ham. The Anniston and Atlantic Railroad is being built to 
Goodwater. 

School and religious facilities abound throughout the county, 
and at several of the towns named are schools of more than ordi- 
nary grade. The people are hospitable, and favorably disposed 
toward strangers seeking homes in their midst. 

Lands vary in price from ;^2-to ;^I2 per acre, their value depend- 
ing upon their grade and location. Coosa is a county of radiant 
promise, and, when its internal wealth shall be known, it will be 
brought up alongside the most progressive counties in the State. 
It deserves high consideration at the hands of those seeking a 
favorable location for settlement. In the county are found 4,00a 
acres of government land awaiting occupation. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. I03 



CHILTON COUNTY. 

When this county was organized in 1868 it was called Baker, 
which name it retained until 1875, when in honor of Judge W. P. 
Chilton, it received its present designation. Chilton occupies the 
geographical center of the State. Wonderful advances have been 
made in the industries of the county within the last few years. 
From 1870 to 1880 the population of Chilton was almost doubled. 
It has an area of 700 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 6,194; population in 1880, 10,793. White, 
8,651 ; colored, 2, 142. 

Tilled Land — 40,676 acres. Area planted in cotton, 11,558 
acres; in corn, 18,185; in oats, 2,255 acres; in wheat, 4,50? 
acres; in rye, 60 acres; in sweet potatoes, 356 acres. 

Cotton Production — 3,534 bales. 

Chilton is varied both with respect to the face of the country 
and the character of the lands. In the eastern portion there is a 
high ridge which forms the watershed between the Coosa and Ala- 
bama Rivers. Along the southern border of the county the sur- 
face is uneven. This irregularity of the face of the county extends 
northward for some distance. 

The soils vary from the rich red and brown loam lands to the 
most sterile. In the western portion of the county, and especially 
in the regions lying contiguous to Mulberry Creek and its tribu- 
taries, are found the best agricultural lands. It is here that the 
population is denser than elsewhere in Chilton. This is emphati- 
cally the farming section of the county. On the opposite side (the 
eastern) of the county are found altogether a different class of 
industries. Extensive pine forests are a prevailing feature here. 
They are spread over the knolls and hills which hold within their 
bosoms deposits of minerals. To what extent these minerals exist 
has not yet been discovered. Professor Eugene A. Smith, State 
Geologist, affirms that there is a greater variety of minerals in 
Chilton than in any other county in Alabama. He did not think, 
however, that they were, in any instance, abundant. They consist 
of mica, graphite, iron, copper, silver, and gold. Copper and gold 
mines have been operated with some success. 

The timber resources of Chilton are very extensive as is indi- 



104 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



cated by the fact that there are twenty-nine sawmills in the county. 
These comprise some of the largest mills and lumber industries in 
the State. Many of these are found along the line of the Louis- 
ville & Nashville Railroad. It will be inferred from the foregoing 
that the forests of Chilton are composed almost entirely of the yel- 
low or long leaf pine. 

As the timber is cleared off these lands, they are brought into 
cultivation and yield readily in response to proper fertilizing. Corn, 
cotton, oats, wheat, and rice are the principal crops. The culti- 
vation of rice for market has been undertaken within the last few 
years with the most gratifying results. It will ultimately prove a 
source of great revenue to the county. It has been tested in the 
refineries of New Orleans and pronounced equal to the best grades 
produced upon the famous rice plantations of South Carolina. 

Advantages for the shipment of products to distant markets are 
afforded by the splendid hne of the Louisville & Nashville Rail- 
road, which passes directly through the heart of the county. The 
East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad also passes through 
the county. 

There is no lack of water, as the county is drained by the Little 
Cahaba and Coosa Rivers, and Chestnut, Swift, Big and Little 
Mulberry, and Blue Creeks. 

The places of the greatest importance are Clanton, the county- 
seat, with a population of 6oo, Verbena, Maplesville, and Moun- 
tain Creek. Two of these points — Verbena and Mountain Creek 
— have become somewhat noted as summer resorts. At the for- 
mer place an elegant hotel has been erected, both for summer and 
winter boarders ; while at the latter point neat cabins of summer 
visitors dot the slopes and crown the high ridges. Families from 
Montgomery and neighboring towns have established these taste- 
ful retreats in order that they may find a pleasant refuge from the 
heat and dust of the city. Both these points are growing in popu- 
larity as places of summer resort. 

Good schools are found at every center of interest in the county. 
At Clanton and Verbena the schools are of high grade and the 
moral influences good. Churches of different denominations also 
abound. 

Immigrants or investors desiring to purchase lands in this county 
may obtain them for prices ranging from $i to ;^I5 per acre' 
Knowing how much depends upon an increased population of 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



105 



thrifty habits, the people of this county are eager to encourage 
such to estabhsh homes in their midst. 

Chilton county embraces 40,000 acres of land belonging to the 
general government. 



TUSCALOOSA COUNTY. 

The county of Tuscaloosa was organized in 18 18. It is called 
from the Indian name of its principal stream. It is one of the 
most noted counties of the State, its principal city having once 
been the capital of Alabama, and being now the seat of the State 
University, the Insane Asylum, as well as that of a number of 
female schools of distinction. 

The elements of wealth of Tuscaloosa county are varied. There 
are a great variety of soils as well as productions, and the county 
has considerable wealth of minerals. 

It has an area of 1,390 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 20,081 ; population in 1880, 24,957. White, 
15,216; colored, 9,741. 

Tilled Land — 111,171 acres. Area planted in cotton, 33,773 
acres; in corn, 38,638 acres; in oats, 6,974 acres; in wheat, 2,689 
acres; in rye, 130 acres; in sugarcane, 35 acres; in tobacco, 20 
acres ; in sweet potatoes, 919 acres. 

Cotton Production — 1 1,137 hales. 

These estimates are taken from the last national census report, 
but do not now represent the productions of the county. It is 
believed that the county yields now at least 50,000 bales of cotton. 
The cotton receipts of the city of Tuskaloosa alone exceed 12,000 
bales. 

Throughout the county of Tuscaloosa, the surface is hilly and 
broken. This irregularity prevails more in some quarters than in 
others, perhaps, but this is the general rule. The lands vary 
greatly in their fertility. In the eastern, northeastern and north- 
ern parts of the county, there are but few lands of any great value 
for purposes of cultivation. The soil is sandy^ though there are 
districts where the land is found quite productive. Fertilizers, 
judiciously used, would make even the most unpromising soils, in 
these sections of the county, productive. Through the center 



io6 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



of Tuscaloosa, and in the western and southern portions, the 
most valuable and remunerative soils are found. The lands 
most esteemed by farmers are those lying along the streams. 
These bottoms are, in some sections, very narrow, but are almost 
invariably fertile. The best lands for planting lie along the War- 
rior River in the lower portion of the county. After this river 
sweeps past the city of Tuscaloosa, the bottoms begin to broaden, 
and have long been in cultivation. In this section are found some 
of the most inviting farms in the State. Both corn and cotton 
yield quite' abundantly. The greater part of the cotton crop of 
Tuscaloosa county is raised upon the valley lands. It must not be 
inferred from the foregoing that the productive soils are restricted 
to the basins of the connty. Such is not the fact. There is a large 
quantity of upland soil which is much prized for its productive capa- 
bilities. It is estimated that fully one-half of the tillable soils of 
Tuscaloosa county are devoted to the production of cotton. Corn, 
oats, peas, rye, and sorghum, grow with great readiness. Grasses 
and clovers grow splendidly when cultivated. Through the for- 
ests and upon the old fields and castaway lands, there is, during 
three-fourths of the year, a sward of native clovers and grasses, 
which afford excellent pasturage facilities to stock. This taken in 
connection with the fact that the county is remarkably well watered, 
especially in such sections as where the best herbage springs, indi- 
cates the favorableness of this region to stock-raising. Appreci- 
ating the fact, many of the inhabitants are already engaged in this 
lucrative branch of industry. 

The forests of the county are stocked with yellow or long-leaf 
pine, which grows abundantly and at great height; the beech, 
white, red, blackjack, and Spanish oaks, sweet gum, poplar, elm, 
hickory, bay, cherry, and cottonwood. There are many saw-mills 
in the county devoted to the manufacture of lumber. The numer- 
ous streams which flow through these immense forests usually have 
considerable fall, and afford many valuable seats for mills and other 
similar enterprises. The water-power of the county is immense. 
The mineral wealth of the county, though largely undeveloped, is 
great. It has been estimated that nearly, if not quite, five-sevenths 
of the total area of the county contains coal. The quality of 
the coal is good. The coal measures of this county are regarded 
the thickest of the Warrior coalfield, and, indeed, the thickest 
known to exist in the world. Nothing more than a bare mention 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



107 



can be made here of the extensive mineral wealth of the county. 
To those interested in the examination of the matter, reference is 
made to the accurate report of Professor Henry McCalley, assis- 
tant State geologist, on the Warrior coalfield. It is published 
under the auspices of the State, and is for gratuitous distribution. 
Flagging stone and manganese are found in the county. Trans- 
portation is secured through the Alabama Great Southern Rail- 
road and the Warrior River. The former of these furnishes com- 
mercial facilities to New Orleans and Cincinnati, and the latter 
opens up a natural highway to the gulf. The new Railroad from 
Mobile to the Tennessee River is expected to run through this 
county. These, together with the natural advantages, render Tus- 
caloosa an inviting point for residence. 

As has already been intimated, the water supply of the county 
is exh'austless. The streams are the Black Warrior, Sipsey, and 
North Rivers; and Valley, Yellow Grant's Rock Castle, Wolf, 
Shoal, Davis, and Big Sandy Creeks. Several of these penetrate 
large districts of heavy, valuable timber. In the low places, usu- 
ally along the creeks, are found dense brakes of wild cane, which 
is greatly relished by stock. Fruit of several varieties abound 
throughout the county. Chief among these are apples, peaches, 
pears, plums, cherries, and strawberries. There are several thriv- 
ing industries in the county, among which may be named the 
Tuscaloosa Cotton Mills, at Cottondale ; and the Tuscaloosa Cot- 
ton Factory, the iron foundry, and the cotton-seed oil mills, near 
the city of Tuscaloosa. Other industries are in contemplation. 

The points of interest in the county are Tuscaloosa, the county- 
seat, with a population of 6,000; Northport, Cottondale, and 
Fosters. 

Tuscaloosa is one of the most inviting points in the State, both 
as a place of residence and as a manufacturing location. Its prox- 
imity to the great mineral fields, and its location at the head of 
navigation on the Warrior, give it decided advantage as a manu- 
facturing point. 

For many years it has been the seat of the University of Ala- 
bama, one of the most distinguished literary institutions of the 
South. Institutions for female education also exist. The city has 
long been noted for its beauty, its broad streets, shaded by the 
native water-oak ; its handsome churches, superb school buildings 
and attractive residences. In social culture, it is the peer of any 



io8 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Southern city. Its location is favorable to the planting of indus- 
trial enterprises. Just beyond its limits are the falls of the Warrior 
River, which, by reason of their immense power, are admirably 
suited to the location of manufactories. Surrounded by so many 
elements of natural wealth, and possessing a healthfulness of loca- 
tion, the city of Tuscaloosa is destined to great prominence in 
the future. It is located at the head of navigation of the Warrior 
River, and enjoys commercial relations with Mobile through a line 
of steamers. 

During the past year the city of Tuscaloosa has experienced a 
great material development. Many manufactories have been estab- 
lished, a superb hotel has been built, a large number of handsome 
homes have been established, street car and dummy lines put into 
successful operation, waterworks and electric light plants secured, 
and a large ice factory has been built. The indications are that 
several other railroads will be extended to Tuscaloosa. Indeed, one 
important Hne, the Memphis, Montgomery & Tuscaloosa Rail- 
road, is now being pushed rapidly toward completion. Work has 
been begun at both ends of the route A road is also being con- 
structed southward across important mineral fields from Bessemer. 
The object of this line is to cross the Alabama Great Southern 
and reach the Louisville & Nashville. 

An iron bridge spans the river in the northwestern part of the 
city, and unites it with the thrifty town of Northport, beyond the 
Warrior. Lands are variously estimated in different portions of 
the county, and range from $2 to $2^ per acre. ' 

Within the limits of the county are 75,000 acres of govern- 
ment land. 



BIBB COUNTY. 

The county of Bibb was established in 18 18 and called by the 
name of Cahaba. Two years later it was changed to that of Bibb, 
in honor of William W\ Bibb, the first Governor of the State. 

In some respects Bibb is a most remarkable county, combining 
in a wonderful manner many elements of wealth, and in great 
profusion. In minerals it ranks among the foremost counties of 
Alabama. Its timbers are varied and of superior character, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



109 



while its lands yield splendidly, and its healthfulness is superior. 
No one can read an accurate description of Bibb without being 
impressed with its intrinsic greatness. Its area embraces 610 
square miles. 

P6pulation in 1870, 7,469 ; population in 1880, 9,487. White, 
5,887; colored, 3,600. 

Tilled Land — 43,796 acres. Area planted in cotton, 15,737 
acres; in corn, 18,816 acres; in oats, 2,935 acres; in wheat, 
3,125 acres; in rye, 151 acres; in tobacco, 36 acres; in sugar- 
cane, 36 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 368 acres. 

Cotton Pfoductio7i — 4,843 bales. 

In the main, the face of the country in Bibb is broken. There 
are, however, many portions of the country which are gently 
rolling, in which agriculture is prosecuted with gratifying success. 
There is no lack of fertility in the soil. Along the river bottoms 
there are vast areas of the most level and fertile lands. In some 
cases they have been in cultivation nearly half a century, and yet 
the yield of forty bushels to the acre is not at all unusual. Lying 
along the Cahaba River there are lands which yield a bale of cot- 
ton to the acre. Even along the high ridges where the tallest 
pines grow, the land is usually of good quality. Many of the 
best farming lands are found between the center and northeastern 
corner of the county. The soils are red, buff, and gray. Of 
these prevailing varieties throughout the county, the red lands are 
superior in fertility, and are usually chosen by planters for grain, 
while the gray and brown soils are devoted to the production of 
cotton. In the southern half of the county the lands are both 
red and brown and seem most eagerly sought by planters because 
of the conjunction of these cotton and grain soils. 

Here are consequently found many excellent lands for farms. 
Perhaps the greater part of the cotton produced in the county is 
grown upon the brown loam lands. Cotton, grain, and the escu- 
lents grow with equal readiness, the principal crops being cotton, 
corn, oats, wheat, rye, sugar-cane, sweet potatoes, rice and field 
peas. Herbage of different varieties flourishes, as is attested by 
the superior stock with which one meets in every part of the 
county. Some of the finest horses and best milch cows in the 
State are found in Bibb. With proper facilities stock-raising could 
be made quite a lucrative branch of business. 

The numerous hill and ridge ranges in the county are full of 



I lO 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



iron, coal, marble, and limestone. All these exist in great and 
varied abundance. The iron ores are not surpassed for purity by 
any others in the State. They are principally brown hematite. 
Taken in connection with the fact that adjacent to these vast 
deposits .of iron lie the famous Cahaba coalfields, and one can 
readily see the elements of a colossal prosperity which are pos- 
sessed by the county of Bibb. The whole northern portion of 
the county is one solid domain of splendid coaL An additional 
advantage is suggested by the proximity of these minerals to the 
Alabama River, where they can be readily loaded upon barges 
and floated to the Gulf of Mexico. Or, else, large barges could 
be floated down the Cahaba River, if it were cleared of its barriers, 
and thence upon the broad bosom of the Alabama. Thus ihe 
county is highly favored in the possession of these vast resources 
of minerals, as it is in possessing facilities for cheap transporta- 
tion to the Southern seas, and thence to the regions beyond. For 
several years the enterprising citizens of Selma have been contem- 
plating the construction of a line of communication with these 
extensive natural deposits of coal and iron, and with the deep 
water transportation afforded in that direction, these elements of 
mineral wealth will no doubt seek that route to the sea. 

The limestone and marble deposits of the county are certainly 
wonderful. Along precipitous hillsides there are solid walls of 
these valuable stones, revealing in some instances a height of fully 
fifty feet. This is a common occurrence along both the Little 
and Big Cahaba Rivers. In addition to this, great bowlders of 
limestone as large- as cottages lie along the face of the country. 
These deposits, both of marble and limestone, may be quarried 
with great ease and slight expense. These mammoth quarries of 
limestone and marble are in close proximity to the deposits of iron 
and coal. The quantities of these natural elements of wealth — 
coal, iron, marble, and limestone — seem to be inexhaustible. The 
county also contains manganese, barytes, and ochre. Standing 
in immediate connection with these are the forests of the county, 
which embrace all the hard woods, such as the several species of 
oak, poplar, elm, beech, gum, maple, and pine. Vast bodies of 
first-class timber oftentimes overspread the mineral treasures which 
are hidden beneath. 

The county is not excelled in the abundance and excellence of 
its water. Magnificent springs of the purest limestone gush forth 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



I I I 



unceasingly and in the greatest quantities from the rugged hills 
which abound. Again, in other sections, there are immense 
springs of freestone. Large portions of the population use water 
from these numerous and perpetual springs. 

The streams are : The Cahaba and Little Cahaba Rivers, and 
Shade's Sandy, Blue Cat, Haysoppy, Afonce, Mahan's, Hill's and 
Shoultz Creeks. These possess immense water power. In addi- 
tion to its deep and rapid current, Shoultz Creek is bordered some- 
times by limestone banks which rise as high as seventy-five feet. 
The inclination and pitch of all these streams suggest the ease with 
which they might be employed in ^connection with the mechanical 
arts. Many of the streams of Bibb wend their way through high 
ramparts of marble and limestone. 

There are five extensive public industries in Bibb, viz : The 
Brierfield Coal and Coke Works, and the nail factory, foundry and 
furnace at Brierfield, and the establishment of the Cahaba Coal and 
Coke Company in the western part of the county. 

The East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Railroad penetrates 
the eastern portion of the county, furnishing transportation to the 
inhabitants of that section, while those further west resort to the 
Alabama Great Southern Railroad, as, it touches the county in that 
direction. There is a short line operated from Woodstock, on the 
Alabama Great Southern, to Blocton, where thrive some of the 
greatest industries in central Alabama. 

The line of greatest value is now projected, and is being built — '■ 
The Mobile & Birmingham. The purpose of the proprietors of 
this line is to have it penetrate the heart of the two great coal 
regions of Alabama — The W^arrior and the Cahaba Coalfields. 
When completed, this will develop the resources of.Bibb as noth- 
ing else can. The other railroads which touch the county now 
barely skirt around the edge of the famous Cahaba Coalfield ; this 
road will strike through its center. 

The places of greatest importance are Centreville, the county 
seat, with a population of several hundred, Scottsville, Six Mile, 
Blocton, Randolph, Greenpond, and Brierfield. These are favored 
with educational and religious advantages. At Centreville, Six 
Mile, and Greenpond there are schools of high merit. As in 
every other county in the State, there is a common school system 
which reaches every precinct and applies to all classes of popula- 
tion in the county. 



I .12 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The value of lands will depend upon their improvement, loca- 
tion, topography, and nearness to railroads. They may be pur- 
chased for $2.i^o per acre, and will range from this to $2Q per 
acre. The eyes of capitalists are being eagerly turned to this 
county, and the salable lands are being rapidly taken up. In view 
of the advantages already possessed by the county, coupled with 
those that are destined soon to be secured, no section of the State 
affords rarer advantages to those seeking locations for future 
homes, or for capitalists seeking a profitable outlay of money. 

Government land to the extent of 40,000 acres are embraced in 
the county. 



FAYETTE COUNTY. 

Created in 1824, the county was named for General LaFayette, 
of Revolutionary fame. It is in that part of the State which has 
been most lavishly endowed by nature with all that makes a sec- 
tion great, but is comparatively unknown, because of the non- 
existence previously of railroads. This barrier is now removed, 
as the Georgia Pacific Railway penetrates the county. 

Fayette has an area of 660 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 7,136; population in 1880, 10,135. White, 
8,873 ; colored, 1,262. 

Tilled Land — 56, 118 acres. Area planted in cotton, 12,331 
acres ; in corn, 24,950 acres ; in oats, 3,627 acres ; in wheat, 4,826 
acres ; in rye, 46 acres ; in tobacco, 37 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 
421 acres. 

Cotton Production — 4, 268 bales. 

Fayette county is a fine average upland region, diversified with 
hills and valleys, in the midst of which are found perpetual stream^s. 
Its climate possesses all the brace and vigor which characterize a 
region of health. The soils of Fayette are much above the average 
in fertility. The uplands are covered generally with oak, which 
suf¥iciently indicates that they are prolific. The valley lands, which 
follow along the many streams which flow through the county, are 
generally very rich. The prevailing and most important soil of 
Fayette, is that of a brown loam, with red clay subsoil. There are 
other lands which are thinner and less fertile. There are several 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



noted valley regions in the county, among which may be named the 
Sipsey Valley, which is about thirty miles long, and two or three 
wide ; the Luxapalila Valley, which is very much like the Sipsey in 
area and fertility ; the North River Valley, which is about twenty 
miles in length, and two or three wide.- 

These lands produce a great diversity of crops, among which may 
be named cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rye, sorghum and sugar-cane. 
Large quantities of productions of minor crops are also made, such 
as cow-peas, peanuts, tobacco and pumpkins. The fruits for which 
the county is adapted, are apples and peaches. Orchards of these 
fruits grow quite vigorously, and produce abundantly. Greater 
attention is now being given them than ever before. 

The undulating lands of Fayette, where they have not been 
brought into cultivation, are covered over with forests of post, red 
and black-jack oaks, chestnut, and short-leaf pines. A sufficiency 
of timber exists for all practical purposes. 

In addition to the agricultural productions already named, may 
be mentioned the fact that attention in several quarters is now 
being turned to the cultivation of grasses. Since the form.ation of 
the county, stock has been abundant and of excellent quality. 
During the war the county of Fayette furnished many beef cattle 
to the armies of the Confederacy. Large numbers of beeves are 
annually shipped from the county to distant markets. Wool- 
growing is rapidly developing into a profitable industry. 

But the dominant feature of Fayette is its wealth of mineral. 
Iron and coal are widely diffused over the county. These exist all 
along the eastern portion of the county, and also in the southern 
part, while in the western section is found a vast abundance of 
iron ; gold and red ochre also exist. In addition to these, there 
•exist mammoth quarries of valuable building stone. 

All these have been but slightly developed because of absence 
of transportation. 

The water-power of Fayette is immense. The inclination of 
the streams is generally such as to make them valuable as sources 
of machinery power. As far as these powerful streams could be 
utilized, they have been by the residents, who have erected 
numerous mills upon them, which are devoted to the manufacture 
of lumber. 

The most important streams are Luxapalila, Sipsey and North 



114 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Rivers, and Lost, Cane, Wolf, Yellow and Hell's Creeks. These, 
through their tributaries, reach every portion of F'ayette. 
- In some parts of the county are found many chalybeate and 
sulphur springs. 

Not until of late have the numerous diversities of wealth been 
recognized in Fayette. 

Both the Georgia Pacific and Kansas City, Memphis & Birming- 
ham roads are now constructed, and they have infused new life and 
are evoking from their slumbering places the immense deposits of 
ore known to exist in the county. 

The chief point of interest in the county is Fayette C. H. It 
has a population of several hundred and possesses good schools, 
chtirches, and an intelligent and moral society. 

No more alluring field for enterprises and investments can be 
found within the limits of the State. 

Land is generally quite cheap, selling for from $2 to $20 per 
acre. 

There are in the county as yet untaken, 33,880 acres of public 
or government land. These lands are said to embrace some of the 
richest mineral districts in the county. 

Plans are on foot to secure immigration to the county on the 
most inviting terms. 



LAMAR COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1866, and named Jones ; in 1868 the 
name was changed to that of Sandford, and in 1877 its present 
designation was adopted. Remote from transportation, the county 
of Lamar has been placed at great disadvantage, notwithstang its 
rich stores of mineral and the productiveness of its soils. It covers 
an area of 550 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 8,893; population in 1880, 12,142. White, 
9,967 ; colored, 2,175. 

Tilled Land — 62, 141 acres. Area planted in cotton, 1 5, 245 acres ; 
in corn, 28,303 acres; in oats, 4,139 acres; in wheat, 5,627 acres; 
in rye, 75 acres ; in tobacco, 46 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 626 acres. 

Cotton Production — 5,015 bales. 

Like the most of this section of Alabama, the surface of Lamar 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



is hilly and unbroken, with many productive valleys. The soil 
along the oak uplands is superior, while that along the pebbly 
ridg-es is barren. The o^eneral character of the soil-' of Lamar is 
that of red loam. The best lands in the county are those found 
along the uplands, or table-lands, and those along the banks of the 
streams. But there is a mixture of sand in all the lands of the 
county. The soil is easily tilled under all circumstances. 

The chief productions of the county are cotton, corn, wheat, 
and oats. Nearly, or quite one-half, of the tilled lands of Lamas- 
are devoted to the production of cotton. Grasses grow here spoa- 
taneously, and afford rich pasturage for stock. Better grasses are- 
cultivated, and much attention is devoted to stock-raising, and,, 
with commercial outlets, this would be one of the chief industries; 
of the county. The forests of Lamar are heavily timbered wMa 
short-leaf pine, the various species of oak, hickory, ash, chestnut, 
and sassafras 

The drainage of Lamar is secured through Buttahatchie River 
and LuxapaHla, Beaver, Coal Fire, and Yellow Creeks, all of 
which have large branches or tributaries. Along these streams 
flourishing lumber and flour mills are met with. The River and 
Creeks are finely suited to machinery by reason of their immense 
water-power. 

The mineral products of the county are iron, coal, and valuable 
stones for building purposes. 

The county now enjoys railroad transportation since the passage 
of the Georgia Pacific and the Kansas City, Memphis & Birming- 
ham through its territory. The completion of these great lines 
has greatly facilitated the development of the county. 

Vernon, Moscow, and Millport are towns of local importance,, 
the first mentioned being the county-seat. Schools and churches 
are found in every part of the county. 

Immigrants desiring cheap lands will do well to examine the 
merits of the lands of this county. It has a quantity of public or 
government land. The prices of land vary from $2 to ^8 or ^10 
per acre. 

Because of its climate, healthfulness, mineral resources, and 
location, Lamar will, one day, be one of the most progressive 
regions of Alabama. It contains 30,000 acres of government 
land. 



ii6 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



THE COTTON BELT. 

The Cotton, or Black Belt of Alabama lies directly south of 
the great Mineral Belt of the State. It extends from east to west — 
from limit to limit of the State — and embraces seventeen counties, 
viz : Pickens, Sumter, Choctaw, Greene, Hale, Marengo, Perry, 
Dallas, Wilcox, Autauga, Lowndes, Elmore, Montgomery, Macon, 
Bullock, Russell and Barbour, It covers an area of 13,610 square 
miles, being a little more than one-fourth . of the entire State. 
"The surface of this section is mostly rolling prairie and of great 
"ifertility, being unexcelled by any soil in the American Union. 

The soil in the richer portions is very black, or of a dark color, 
and contams a great deal of lime. The broad prairies are broken 
here and there by considerable districts of timber, embracing the 
pine, different varieties of oak, hickory, gum, beech, maple, and 
magnolia. This Belt is highly favored in transportation, as all the 
principal rivers of the State, except the Tennessee, flow directly 
through it, and empty into the Gulf of Mexico upon the south. 
No section of the Union is more highly favored with grand water- 
ways than the Cotton and Timber Belts of Alabama. Enlarged 
facilities for travel are afforded by the great railway systems which 
penetrate it. In this particular again is the Cotton Belt most liber- 
ally favored, the lines of railroad which penetrate being the chief 
thoroughfares of railway in the South, viz : The Louisville & Nash- 
ville, with its different branch ways, the Queen & Crescent Line, 
the Western Railroad of Alabama, the East Tennessee, Virginia 
81 Georgia, and the Central of Georgia. Other lines are now pro- 
jected, which will afford additional facilities for transportation to 
this highly favored region. Notably among these may be men- 
tioned the Pensacola & Meridian Railroad, and the new line which 
is being pushed from Mobile to Birmingham, which will not only 
pierce the most fertile sections of the great Cotton Belt, but will 
also penetrate the heart of the richest mineral regions of the Union. 
Other important lines also traverse the Cotton Belt, such as the 
Montgomery & Florida Railroad, which already extends consid- 
erably below Montgorriery and is being rapidly built toward the 
most fertile sections of Florida, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



117 



As an agricultural region this famous Belt can not be surpassed. 
Until a few years ago, agriculture was the only pursuit of the peo- 
ple of the Cotton Belt, but there has gradually grown up a diver- 
sification of pursuits which are being profitably followed. 

In i860 this Belt produced two-thirds of the cotton and one- 
half of the corn crop of Alabama. Wheat, rye, oats, tobacco, 
sorghum, millet, sugar-cane, sweet and Irish potatoes, rice, and 
peanuts produce with great readiness; while of the orchard, apples,, 
peaches, pears, grapes, apricots, figs, pomegranates, watermelons^ 
plums, strawberries, raspberries, and others thrive with readiness^ 
and in many instances are proving quite remunerative. 

Grasses and clovers spring spontaneously in all districts that lie 
out, and, when cultivated, they are wonderfully prolific. Along 
the numerous streams grows in rank luxuriance the swamp cane, 
wich in its native wildness once overspread large sections of this 
Belt and gave it the significant name of Canebrake. This growth 
is usually restricted to the branches, creeks, and rivers, and remain- 
ing perpetually green, it serves as a fresh and delicious forage to 
stock during the brief winters which prevail. For many years 
it has been the custom of planters to leave their stock in the 
plantations to subsist upon this nutritious growth. Eaten down 
in the winter, it readily rallies the following spring, and is fresh, 
tender, and luxuriant for the winter next succeeding. These fur- 
nish an index of the boundless capabilities of this favored region. 

While cotton must ever remain an indispensable adjunct of civ- 
ilization, and while it will hold a conspicuous place among the pro- 
ducts of the globe, yet the planter of the South is not so absorbed 
in the production of cotton as he has heretofore been. Where 
the fleecy fibre held undisputed sway for so many years together,, 
it has now been forced to divide its sovereignty with a large per- 
centage of food cr.ops. In i88o--'8i, the cotton production of 
Alabama was 740,000 bales; in i88i-'82, 700,000 bales; in 
i882~'83, 780,000 bales ; in i883--'84, 605,000 bales; in i884--'85, 
650,000 bales ; in i885-'86, 760,447 bales. 

Turning to the production of grain, we find that in 1880 the com 
crop of Alabama resulted in about 25,000,000 bushels, and the oat 
crop in about 3,000,000 bushels. In 1885, the corn crop ran up to 
more than 30,000,000 bushels, while the oat crop went to 5,000,000 
bushels. This points to a gradual equalization of the agricultural 
products of the State — to a gradual declination of cotton and inclina- 



ii8 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



tion of food crops. Time will serve to equalize these and other 
products more, and in this lies the ^uture hope of the agricultural 
prosperity of the States of the South. By a decrease in the produc- 
tion of cotton, there will be a corresponding increase of its market 
value by one of the plainest principles of political economy, while its 
decrease again will indicate an increase of grain or food crops, and 
this will inevitably lead to the raising of stock, and these together 
will lead to the restoration of our agricultural system under a new 
regime. Diversified tillage means a diversity of avenues which lead 
to prosperity, so that whereas in former years the producer was 
reliant upon only one staple for his revenue, he finds that many 
will come to lay their tribute at his feet. And notwithstanding in 
former years our cities were built, our railroads were constructed, 
and our educational institutions were founded upon capital derived 
from the production of cotton, we will find that in the years to 
come the multiplied allies will greatly reinforce the revenue flow- 
ing from the fleecy fibre, and will proportionately impart express- 
ion to the increasing evidences of prosperity in the establishment 
of other cities, in the enlargement of those existing, in the multi- 
plication of railway lines, and in thronging our great water-ways 
with packets of transportation. 

Jubilant as we are over the rapid developments made in the 
mineral regions of Alabama, and appreciating these as colossal con- 
tributions to the prosperity of the State present and future, yet 
Alabama is far more largely an agricultural than a manufacturing 
State. The demoralization incident to the great civil war, the 
shattered system of labor, the destruction of agricultural implements 
and machinery, and the incapacity of Southern planters to accom- 
modate themselves to this chaotic state of things, served to bring 
our vast agricultural interests into disrepute. And when the min- 
eral resources of our State flashed into sudden prominence, the 
temptation was great to forsake the old and to cling to the new. 

And this accounts for the comparative obscurity of our informa- 
tion concerning the vast capabilities of our agricultural lands. To-day 
the bulk of our people are unaware of the vast treasures of wealth 
which our fertile soils are capable of yielding. Instead of having 
induced frugal, thrifty immigrants to come and occupy our expan- 
sive agricultural regions, we have really suffered residents to leave 
by thousands and to locate in distant States, where the lands are 
not a whit superior to ours, and where the surrounding advantages, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



119 



in the way of water, fuel and healthfulness, are far fewer. The 
mineral resources, their extent, superiority and development have 
not been advertised too much, but our agricultural capabiHties have 
been made too little of In the darkness which fell upon us when 
our slaves were liberated, our labor system was shattered, and our 
fertile fields were turned out, we were groping for the light of 
relief That came when the treasures of mineral were found in 
exhaustless quantities through almost one-third of our great Com- 
monwealth. 

But what would minerals be to a region without agriculture ? 
£very interest is more or less dependent upon agriculture, and 
must rise or fall with the increase or decrease of the products of 
the field. 

Happily for us, our people have again addressed themselves, 
with becoming earnestness, to the restoration of a labor system 
suited to the demands of the period. The lands which have long 
been surrendered to the tangled vine and riotous weed are being 
reclaimed, farms are taking the place of immense plantations, 
decay and w^aste are being arrested by judicious fertilization, and 
instead of wringing the last vestige of nutriment from the soils in 
the production of a single plant, rotation has been substituted and 
diversification has been adopted. 

It is a short-sighted policy to disregard any of the capabilities 
of a great Commonwealth like. Alabama. That our agricultural 
-districts have been neglected, no one can deny. More than two 
decades have gone by since our lands were suffered to pass under 
the ban of negligence. 

There has been a struggle to maintain a footing in the agricul- 
tural districts. Steadily the planter is improving, but the lands 
go begging in the market. Where is the hope of subsequent 
relief? Shall we abandon the fertile soils of a great region like 
the Cotton Belt, and seek other pursuits ? Our relief is in the 
settlement of men of thrift and energy upon our fertile and expan- 
sive fields, to transform them from wildernesses into gardens of 
beauty and profit. We should seek to bring our agricultural 
advantages up alongside the mineral. 

Our minerals, our farm products, and our peerless timbers, are 
three great elements of prosperity. 

The geographical relations which they sustain, indicate the 
benificent wisdom of God. Lying between the two great agricul- 



I20 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



tural regions of Alabama, is the wonderful Mineral Belt. While 
the one produces the ore from the hill and mountain, it is sus- 
tained by the bread grown upon the other, while the sweeps of 
forest supply the necessary timber. Thus do these great districts 
aid and sustain each other. 

The agricultural development of the State, and indeed of the 
entire South, has been seriously retarded by the systems of labor 
which have obtained, and which were hastily adopted when the 
system under the old regime was seen going to pieces. 

There are three systems of cultivation which are now prevalent 
in the South, viz : the wages, the share, and the renting system. 
These each have their disadvantages which need not be discussed 
here. But what is needed most of all, is the distribution of small 
farms throughout the planting areas of the State. This can not 
be done without a large and thrifty population. 

Such a population is desired and will meet a cordial welcome by 
the best citizens of this State. They own the land in vast abund- 
ance and are eager for thrifty occupants. 

That there is much ignorance concerning the capability of our 
soil, the healthfulntss of our chmate and the record of our crimi- 
nality can not be denied. 

To correct these impressions, statements of facts gathered from 
the most authentic sources are needed. The statements hereinafter 
made, concerning the wonderful capabilities of our fields are based 
upon the most authentic information. 

The advantages possessed by each county are carefully presented 
for the consideration of those .seeking homes in the fertile agricul- 
tural belt of Alabama. 



PICKENS COUNTY. 

Pickens was constituted in 1820, and named after General 
Andrew Pickens, of South Carolina. It is the furthest north of 
the counties of the Cotton Belt, being directly west of Tuscaloosa 
county, and between that county and the eastern boundary of 
Mississippi. While it is a cotton county the indications are that 
there are limited deposits of coal, iron and lead in Pickens. It is 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



121 



one of the largest counties of the State, having an area of i,ooo 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 17,690; population in 1880, 21,479. White, 
9,132; colored, 12,348. 

Tilled La?id — 115,560 acres. Area planted in cotton, 52,651 
acres ; in corn, 43, 104 acres ; in oats, 8,053 acres ; in wheat, 2,220 
acres; in rye, 36 acres; in tobacco, 51 acres ; in sugar cane, 19 
acres; in sweet potatoes, 757 acres. 

Cotton Production — 17,283 bales. 

The surface in the northeast is hilly and sandy, with alluvial 
loam in creek bottoms. The soil increases in fertility in the west- 
erly direction, and the valleys of the Tombigbee and its tributa- 
ries, and the prairies in the southwestern part of the county are 
very rich and productive. Some of the lands have been in con- 
tinuous cultivation since first the forests were removed, fully fifty 
years ago, and yet they are still very prolific. During all this 
time, too, no fertilizers have been employed to stay the decline of 
fertility in the soil. This only proves what immense harvests 
would accrue from the cultivation of these lands if they were put 
to their utmost capability, 

The productions of the county are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, 
sweet and Irish potatoes, sorghum, and sugar cane. The best 
lands, under the intensive system, yield from one to two bales of 
cotton to the acre, forty to sixty bushels of corn, and from sixty 
to one hundred and ten bushels of oats. Winter clover, lucerne, 
and Japan clover flourish ; Bermuda grass does remarkably well, 
while red clover, timothy, and orchard grass have given satisfac- 
tion in the experiments made in cultivating them. 

The fruits grown in the county are such as might be expected 
of a section with so mild a climate.' They are apples, peaches, 
pears, pomegranates, cherries, nectarines, apricots, figs, quinces, 
grapes, scuppernongs, strawberries, and raspberries. The bland 
climate enables them to ripen rapidly, and to find their way, at an 
early season, to the market, thereby commanding good prices. 

In addition to the above common fruits, prunes, Japan plums, 
jujubes, Spanish chestnuts, English walnuts, pecans, almonds, and 
filberts have been planted to a limited extent, and as far as tried, 
have been successful. 

The water supplies of the county are extensive. The Tombig- 
bee and the Sipsey Rivers, together with Bogue Chitta, Coal, 



122 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Fire, Lubbub, Blubber, and McBee Creeks, are the principal 
streams. Besides these, there are numerous sources of water in 
the abounding springs and wells. Artesion wells exist in some 
parts of the county, and the water supply is perpetual throughout 
the year. 

In most of the streams there are superb fish, which are easily 
caught, affording much delight to the sportsman. 

The transportation facilities of the county are confined at pres- 
ent to the Tombigbee River, which unites with the Alabama, and 
forms the Mobile River just above the Gulf City. An important 
railway line is being constructed between Brunswick, Georgia, and 
Kansas City, Missouri, which will pass directly through Pickens 
county. 

Points of interest are, CarroUton, the county-seat, Pickensville, 
and Vienna, all of which are towns of much local commercial 
importance. . Valuable schools, for males and females, are found 
in all these places. Indeed, throughout the county are found 
valuable educational facilities. Excellent houses of worship, 
which represent the different religious denominations, are also 
found. 

The timbers, which are found in the forests of Pickens, embrace 
the ash, birch, black walnut, cedar, cherry, chestnut, cottonwood, 
cypress, elm, gum, hickory, maple, mulberry, oak, persimmon, 
pine, poplar, sycamore, and willow. 

Many timbers of the largest character, are rafted along the Tom- 
bigbee to Mobile, where they command a good price. The excel- 
lent oaks are admirably adapted to the manufacture of barrel 
'staves, which are made in great quantities, and find their way to 
Mobile, where a ready market awaits them. 

More than any other county of the Cotton Belt, perhaps, Pick- 
ens has tested the virtue of immigration. Earnest, vigorous and 
thrifty, immigrants have purchased land in the county, at low 
figures, and are contributing in no small degree to the development 
of the divers resources of the county. Under the auspices of these 
immigrants, a broom factory has been established near Carrollton. 
These immigrants have added greater diversity to the crops of the 
county. 

Within the last year or two, the castor bean has been planted 
with successful results. 

Lands may be purchased at prices ranging from -$5 to ^30. Men 



ALABAMA AS IT IS, 



123 



of sobriety and thriftiness would be welcomed to Pickens, where 
they would find an orderly and law-abiding- community. Pickens 
county has 5,000 acres of lands belonging to the government. 



SUMTER COUNTY. 

Formed in 1832, this county derived its name from that of Gene- 
ral Thomas Sumter, of South Carolina. It lies on the Mississippi 
border, and is in that region of the country which has long been 
noted for the richness -of its lands. 

Its area embraces i,ooo square miles. 

Population in 1870, 24, 109 ; population in 1880, 28,728. White, 
6,451 ; colored, 22,277 

Tilled Land — 172, 100 acres. Area planted in cotton, 80, 662 acres; 
in corn, 5 1,402 acres ; in oats, 2,706 acres ; in wheat, 24 acres ; in 
rye, 162 acres; in sugar-cane, 42 acres ; in tobacco, 13 acres; in 
sweet potatoes, 1,056 acres. 

Cotton Prodiictio7i — 22,211 bales. 

The general surface of Sumter county is undulating. The north- 
ern portion is composed, for the most part, of black prairie lands 
with a limestone base, with here and there tracts of alluvial soil — 
making that portion extremely fertile. These broad sweeps of 
prairie lands are interspersed with ridges and hills, which are capped 
with sand pebbles. The southern part is composed largely of a 
sandy soil. This portion of Sumter embraces what is known as 
the Flatwoods, which are from three to five miles broad. These 
occur near the center of the county. In this flatwood region there 
is a variety of soil. The high table-lands, which are found in the 
southern part of Sumter, have a sandy loam soil and red loam sub- 
soil. Occasionally deep bed of sand is found. Unlike the lands 
in northern Sumter, these need, generally, some fertilization. This 
remark applies with aptness to the flatwoods, which are barren in 
their virgin state, but which produce with readiness when the 
deficiencies in plant-food are supplied. 

The soils of Sumter produce, chiefly, corn, cotton, oats, peas, 
sorghum, sugar-cane, sweet and Irish potatoes. Prior to the war 
vast quantities of wheat were raised. Many large planters pro- 
duced a sufficiency for home consumption, and a flouring-mill at 



124 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Gainesville did an immense business with domestic wheat-growers. 

All the fruits known to the South are raised here, many being 
quite fine Apples, peaches, pears, plums, the various berries, 
figs, pecans, and watermelons are easily produced. Grapes do 
remarkably well, especially in the sandy soils. 

The county has long been noted for its superior stock, and the 
people within the last few years are improving their breeds with 
such results as to make stock-raising profitable. Grasses and native 
clovers flourish upon the stiffer lands, and remain green almost the 
entire year. Bermuda grass is cultivated. Johnson and other 
grasses thrive both in the fields and upon the lands which have been 
turned out. Many fine herds of cattle and sheep are seen, and 
superior horses and mules. 

The forests abound in short and long-leaf pine, w^hite, red, tur- 
key, water and post oaks, hickory, chestnut, black and sweet 
gums, ash, poplar, walnut and cedar. 

In the southern portion of the county beds of lignite are fre- 
quently met with. One of these beds, in a cut along the Ala- 
bama Great Southern Railroad, has been on fire for many years. 
At some future time this coal will prove serviceable as a fuel. 

In some parts of Sumter are found mineral springs and wells. 
A mineral artesian well, more than one thousand feet deep, at 
Livingston, is a place of frequent resort. Its curative proper- 
ties are wonderful and the well is destined to become one of the 
favorite resorts of the South. In connection with the well are 
excellent hotels, which afford facilities of comfort to those visit- 
ing the town for the purpose of drinking the waters. Persons 
resort to these waters from every section of the. Union. For 
dyspepsia they are said to be superior to the famous waters of 
Waukesha. 

Sumter abounds in perennial streams, chief among which are 
the Tombigbee River, which forms the eastern boundary, the 
Noxubee and Sucarnotchee Rivers, and the Bodka, Jones, Toom- 
sooba, Kinterbish, Silver, Yellow and Alamutchee Creeks. These 
streams are fed by many tributaries, which flow at convenient 
points over the territory of the county. 

Transportation lines abound throughout Sumter. The Alabama 
Great Southern and the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia Rail- 
roads both traverse the county and cross at York. A road is 
expected soon to unite Gainesville with Narkeeta, Miss. Both the 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



125 



Tombigbee and Noxubee Rivers are navigable. These several 
lines place the county in readiest communication with the North, 
West, East, and extreme South. 

The points of interest in the county are Livingston, the county- 
seat, with a population of 1,000, Gainesville, Epes, York, Cuba, 
and Warsaw. In most of these places the tone of society is 
-excellent. 

Educational facilities are good throughout the county. 

At Livingston there is a High School for boys and young men, 
with an able corps of professors. This school w^ill compare favor- 
ably with any institution in the State. There is also a Normal 
College for girls. This is a school of great repute, and conducted 
by educators of distinction. Belmont, York, Cuba, Sumterville, 
Brewersville and Gainesville have excellent schools. A common 
school system for all classes prevails throughout the county. 

Lands may be purchased for prices ranging from $2 to ;^I2 per 
acre. Many of these lands embrace beds of marl. This fertihzer 
is mined in large quantities, near Coatopa, and shipped to Meri- 
dian, Mississippi. • 

Sumter county embraces 2,000 acres of government land. 



CHOCTAW COUNTY. 

Choctaw county was established in 1847. It has been usually 
classed among the timber counties of the State, but its fertile 
lands, which are so largely productive of cotton, and its location, 
give it a place in the rank of cotton counties. It is highly favored, 
both with respect to its magnificent torests of timbers and its 
domains of fertile soil. Some of the most splendid cotton plan- 
tations of the South are found in Choctaw county. The area is 
930 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 12,676; population in 1880, 15,731. White, 
7,790 ; colored, 8,341. 

Tilled Land — 77, 1 82 acres. Area planted in cotton, 3 1 , 086 acres ; 
in corn, 25,631 acres; in oats, 3,338 acres; in rice, 38 acres ; in 
sugar cane, 10 1 acres ; in tobacco, 23 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 
748 acres. 

CotU)n Production — 9,054 bales. 



126 



ALABAMA AS IT IS, 



Both the topography and the soils of Choctaw county are greatly 
varied. The county throughout is diversified with hills, valleys, 
and extensive table-lands. These table-lands throughout Choctaw 
are overlaid with both brown loam and sandy soils, which give 
them great variety. 

Near the centre of the county there passes, in a southwesterly 
direction, a sandy ridge which divides the waters of the two prin- 
cipal streams which flow through it. Both north and south of this 
ridge are found many valuable farming lands. The soils found in 
the broad creek bottoms, and those known as shell prairie," are 
the lands most eagerly sought. The high uplands, which are 
oversoaead with a magnificent growth of yellow pine, oak and 
hickory — are also valuable and easily tilled. In some portions of 
Choctaw are found regions of land which have a stiff, limy, red 
loam, while others again are black prairie. 

In the neighborhood of the sandy ridge, already alluded to, 
there is a region of high and steep hills, with deep, narrow ravines. 
But, where the valleys are broad, they are generally fertile, as the 
soils which compose them have a considerable proportion of lime. 

Altogether, the county is a desirable location for residence, as 
it is healthy and affords soils of every shade and variety. Along 
the shell prairies and the expansive valleys are found charming 
farms. Owing to the diversity of lands there is a diversity of 
crops. Of these, corn, cotton, peas, and oats are the leading.. 
Both domestic and wild grasses flourish, affording luxuriant herb- ' 
age to stock. Like the counties of this section of the State, Choc- 
taw is much devoted to stock raising. Cattle, sheep, horses, and 
mules are raised with gratifying results. Vast numbers of hogs 
are fattened and slaughtered by the citizens every year for home 
consumption. 

Fruits peculiar to the Southern climate are grown with satisfac- 
tion and profit. Excellent peaches and pears are grown in the 
orchards of Choctaw. The forests abound in wild fruits, such as 
hickor5 nuts, plums, persimmons, and the various Southern berries. 
In some portions of the county there is considerable wild game. 

The value of the lands of Choctaw is enhanced in a number of 
places by reason of the existence of marl beds. Green sand is 
found at several points along the Tombigbee River. Traces of 
petroleum have been discovered. Near Bladon Springs there is 
dug from the earth a soil, the curative properties of whfch have 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



127 



been pronounced marvelous. Large quantities of this medicine 
are manufactured in Mobile under the name of Acid Iron Earth, 

The pine forests of the county are extensive and valuable. 
The other varieties of timber are magnolia, chestnut, poplar, gum, 
cypress, hickory, ash, beech, willow, cedar and bay. Along the 
streams and in the swampy forests, in the central and southern 
portions of Choctaw, the trees are draped in long, swaying moss. 

The county is as highly favored in its water supplies as any 
other in the great Cotton Belt. Its water is both excellent and 
abundant. The chief streams are the Tombigbee River and Oka- 
tuppah, Clear, Yantly, Kinterbish, Tickabum,^ Bogue Chitta^ 
Wanalak, Bogue Loosa, Surveyor's, Pascus and Turkey Creeks. 
The county abounds in many superior springs, both of freestone 
and mineral waters. One of these mineral springs, Bladon, has 
attained considerable note as a watering place. These famous 
springs are located just three miles from the Tombigbee River, 
and are regarded as having superior curative waters. This is 
especially true concerning diseases of the stomach and liver„ 
The surroundings of these springs are healthy. 

The chief towns and villages are Butler, the county seat, with 
a population of about 300, Mt. Sterling and Pushmatuha. The 
survey of the projected route of the Pensacola and Memphis 
Railroad passes directly through Butler and Pushmatuha. This 
new line, when completed, will impart fresh life to the county 
and develop its agricultural and timber resources. At present 
there is no railroad that touches the county. For transportation 
the people of the county rely largely upon the Tombigbee 
River, which flows along its eastern border. The Mobile & 
Ohio Railroad, which runs not a great distance from the west- 
ern boundary, through the State of Mississippi, affords transpor- 
tation for the inhabitants of that section. 

Schools in nearly every part of the county are good. Butler, 
Mt. Sterling, Pushmatuha and Bladon Springs, have first-class 
schools and churches. Educational facihties are within easy reach 
of every populated section of Choctaw. 

Lands may be purchased in many sections of the county at one 
dollar per acre. They extend in value up to six dollars. Public 
lands, which are always subject to entry, are found. The people 
are friendly to immigration. There are 109,640 acres of govern- 
ment land in the county. 



128 



ALABAMA AS IT IS 



GREENE COUNTY. 

Having been established in 1819, the county was named in honor 
of General Nathanael Greene, of Rhode Island. The territory of 
the county lies in the fork of the Warrior and Tombigbee Rivers, 
and extends as far north as the Sipsey River, which forms a part 
of its northern boundary. A county so highly favored with water- 
ways, exceedingly fertile lands, and high social advantages, offers 
an inviting home to the immigrant and investor. It has an area of 
520 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 18,399; population in 1880, 21,931. White, 
3,765 ; colored, 18,166. 

Tilled Land — 119,426 acres. Area planted in cotton, 63,643 
acres ; in corn, 31,826 acres; in oats, 2, 163 acres; in wheat, 214 
acres; in rye, 25 acres; in sugar-cane, 25 acres; in tobacco, 41 
acres ; in sweet potatoes, 705 acres. 

Cotton Production — 15,811 bales. 

With few exceptions the territory of Greene county forms a vast 
rolling prairie of surpassing fertility. In the northern end of the 
county there is a broken surface which slopes away into a gentle 
undulation towards the south. Along the Warrior River, on the 
east, there are bottoms of the most prolific soils, while back toward 
the west there is a gradual ascent to the beautiful table-lands, which 
.are overspread with rich, brown, loam soil, and which have a red 
clay subsoil. 

The most fertile lands lie in the southern and southwestern por- 
tions of the county. With the most indifferent method of tillage, 
they yield from twenty-five to sixty bushels of corn per acre, and 
from thirty to sixty bushels of oats. Clovers and grasses abound. 
Among these may be named the red clover, mellilotus and Japan 
clover. The mellilotus alba — a Chilian herb— grows luxuriantly in 
this region upon the rocks that have been denuded of all surface 
soil. So rapidly does it thrive that it may be cut with the scythe 
three times a year. It is relished above all other herbage by stock. 
In almost every portion of the county grasses and clovers thrive 
•with great readiness. 

In the lower part of the county, where the Tombigbee receives 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



129 



the Warrior, which portion is called the "fork," there is a very 
productive section of alluvial lands, with here and there a sandy 
ridge overspread with pebble. This was regarded the most noted 
cotton section in the county before the war, and its capibiilties are 
still unimpaired ; but the change of labor has not been favorable 
to the cultivation of these heavy, fertile lands. The chief crops 
upon the several soils of Greene county are cotton, corn, oats, 
sweet and Irish potatoes, and sugar cane. The last-named pro- 
duction is annually increasing. It thrives luxuriantly in the bot- 
toms, is easy to cultivate, and is readily and cheaply converted 
into first-class molasses and sugar. The bottoms in the northern 
portion of the county are extensively used in its production. As 
will be seen from the statistics given above, about two-thirds of 
the lands of Greene are devoted to cotton. The county is emphat- 
ically a cotton-producing section, but its soils are capable of pro- 
ducing any crop grown upon the lands of the South. Corn grows 
to perfection. Grasses and clovers, both wild and domestic, flour- 
ish luxuriantly, the streams and low places form dense brakes of 
swamp cane, and thus stock-raising is easy. For many years 
attention has been given to raising stock. 

With the means of transportation at hand, there is no doubt that 
stock-raising would be the most lucrative industry in which one 
could engage in Greene county. ' The timbers in the forests embrace 
pine, oak, hickory, beech, cypress, cedar, ash, and gum. Fruit 
trees grow finely and produce well in some parts of the county. 
Navigable Rivers — the Tombigbee and the Warrior — flow- along 
its western and eastern boundaries, while the Alabama Great 
Southern Railroad penetrates the county, east and west, and 
together they present to commerce fine facilities for transportation. 

The county is drained by numerous streams, which flow into the 
three Rivers by which it is, in large measure, surrounded. Among 
these may be named Sims', Buck's, and Turkey Creeks. 

The principal towns are Eutaw, the county-seat, with a popula- 
tion of 1,200; Forkland, Clinton, Pleasant Ridge, and Union, all 
of which are increasing in importance as social and comm.ercial 
centers. 

Eutaw has good schools and churches, and a hotel w^hich has 
^ won for itself quite a distinction with the traveling public. At all 
the points named good schools are to be found, and throughout 
the country districts the people are alive to the importance of 



I30 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



education. Because agricultural lands have not been in demand 
by immigrants in Central Alabama since the close of the war, and 
because these lands have not been put upon the market, there has 
been very little sale, and hence the lands are cheap. They may 
be purchased at prices ranging from to ^13 per acre, and yet 
their capabilities are remarkable. Before the war these lands could 
not have been bought for $2^ and ;^50 per acre. Extraordinary 
inducements are are here given to immigrants of thrifty habits. 
Natural fertilizers prevail in different portions of Greene. There 
is a green sand bed at Pleasant Ridge. Along the banks of the 
Warrior River at low water there is exposed a bed of green sand 
between Choctaw Bluff and Erie. This bed is several feet thick, 
and, with the development of the agricultural resources of the 
county, will prove valuable. 

Of late there has been a discovery of considerable beds of Marl 
and green sand on the dividing line between the clay and the black 
lands. The extent of these beds is unknown, but they are in thick- 
ness from three to ten feet. Experiments of their merits having 
been made prove them quite valuable as fertilizers even in their 
crude state. 

Greene county is justly regarded one of the most productive of 
the counties of this belt. There are about 280 acres of govern- 
ment land in the county. 



HALE COUNTY. 

The above named county was founded in 1867, and named for 
Colonel Stephen F. Hale. It embraces one of the finest agricul- 
tural districts in the South. Productive in soil, healthful in cli- 
mate, abundantly supplied with superior schools, and with an 
intelligent, thrifty, and progressive people, the county of Hale 
deservedly ranks among the best in the State. The sole industry 
of the people is agriculture, with few exceptions. In a limited 
way, the people are devoted to the manufactures. Its area is 670 
square miles. ^ 

Population in 1870, 21,792 ; population in 1880, 26,553. White,* 
4,903; colored, 21,650. 

Tilled Land— 140,072 acres. Area planted in cotton, 69,995 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



acres; in corn, 43, 254 acres ; in oats, 3,671 acres; in wheat, 1,437 
acres; in rye, 56 acres; in rice, 16 acres; in tobacco, 16 acres; in 
sweet potatoes, 1,214 acres. 

Cotton Production — 18,693 bales.' 

in the northeast the county is hilly, the rest being composed 
almost entirely of prairie bottoms. There is almost every variety 
of soil to be found in Hale. The southern portion, being a little 
less than one-half of its territory, is composed almost entirely of 
black canebrake land, which has a marvelous fertility. The west- 
ern and northwestern parts of the county furnish a variety of lands, 
some of which are sandy and others red, which gradually shade 
off into the dark lands, composing what is called the second War- 
rior bottom. Most of this land is of excellent quality, being 
strong, and some, especially that referred to as second, bottom, of 
superior richness. The bottoms along the Warrior River, which 
constitutes the western boundary line, with few exceptions, are sub- 
ject to overflow, and are not regarded as valuable as those higher 
up and beyond the reach of the water mark. Along these lower 
bottoms there is a terrace of land called second bottoms, which 
are not exposed to overflow. As has been said, the northern part 
of the county is more or less hilly. In the midst of these hills 
are found table-lands of good quality. This is also true of the 
lands lying along the streams in this region. The diligent tiller of 
these soils, with favorable seasons, is sure to reap an abundant 
harvest. In the northeastern corner of Hale is a district of sandy 
soil which is not cultivated except in isolated tracts ; but the thin- 
ness of the soil is atoned for by the abundance of yellow or long- 
leaf pine, which possesses rare value because of its location and 
' its relation to the adjoining domains of rich prairie lands. In the 
eastern portion there is a commingling of sand and red loam, 
which makes the lands exceedingly valuable for agricultural pur- 
poses. 

The staple productions grown in the South are raised in Hale, 
viz : Cotton, corn, peas and potatoes. Many other elements are 
produced, as the statistics at tlie head of this article will show, and 
every year increases more and more the variety of crops. Rice, 
sugar, and tobacco are gradually receiving more attention. Farms 
for the production of hay are coming annually more into note, and 
I there fs a corresponding improvement in stock. 



132 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



In this county the famous alba mellilotus comes to perfection. 
Large quantities of seeds are annually gathered from this nutri- 
tious hay herb and shipped to every section of the South. During- 
one year when corn was scarce some of the planters of the county- 
had to rely largely upon the meUilotus for food for working stock. 
It grows here to an amazing height, even upon the rocks from 
which every visible vestige of soil has been washed. The famous. 
Johnson Grass also grows upon many of the plantations of Hale. 

The principal timbers which stock the forests of Hale are oak, 
maple, hickory, gum, long and short-leaf pine, poplar, ash, and 
along the Warrior bottom there is a censiderable quantity of wal- 
nut timber. It has been proved by actual experience that the for- 
est trees of California when transplanted to the soil of Hale county- 
grow with great readiness Among these may be mentioned the 
famous redwood and the mountain cedar. The Japan cedar also 
thrives when planted here. 

The county abounds in excellent streams, which not only will 
furnish supplies of water for house and farm purposes, but for the 
manufactures as well. Chief among the streams may be mentioned 
Warrior River, Big Prairie, Little Prairie, German, Big, Brush, 
Five Mile, Hardwick's and Caldwell Creeks. Together with the 
abounding springs, these streams afford ample supplies of water. 

Late geological surveys have established the fact that there are 
large deposits of phosphate in Hale county. 

Means of transportation are furnished by the Warrior River, the 
Cincinnati, Selma & Mobile, the Alabama Great Southern, and 
East Tennessee, Virginia and Georgia Railroads. 

Places of interest are Greensboro, the county-seat, with a popu- 
lation of 2,000, Newbern, Akron and Havana, all of which are 
places of promise. 

The county is throughout supplied with educational advantages. 
Greensboro, long noted for its elegance and refinement, is the seat 
of the Southern University, which is conducted under the auspices 
of the M. E. Church, South. It is a valuable institution ef learn- 
ing. There are other good schools in the town for both sexes. 
The same is true of Newbern; it has flourishing schools. In 
Havana there is a High School for boys and girls, besides other 
educational advantages. Throughout the county there exists an 
educational spirit which finds expression in many excellent schools.. 
Religious advantages in the county are also good. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Agricultural lands may be had for from $2 to $20 per acre. Pine 
lands will cost from to ^2 per acre. These lands are every- 
where supplied with streams of water. i\rtesian wells abound, 
especially in the southern portion. A desire prevails to have the 
county populated with thrifty immigrants. 

There are 7,000 acres of government land in Hale county. 



MARENGO COUNTY. 

The county of Marengo was established in 18 18, and in compli- 
ment to the French settlers, who first occupied it, was named in 
commerrioration of Napoleon's great victory. Some of the most 
charming farm lands of this latitude lie within the territory of this 
highly favored county. Over its broad surface are found many of 
the typical Southern plantations. It lies largely within the famous 
canebrake region. In striking contrast are the vast cotton planta- 
tions here found, with the small and neatly cultivated farms of the 
North and East. Stretching away to illimitable distances are these 
broad plains of snowy cotton, decked here and there with an old- 
time mansion and comely houses for the laborers. 

Marengo is just now rallying from the severe shock sustained by 
the emancipation of the slaves and the consequent demoralization 
of labor. Her fertile plantations are now being gradually re- 
claimed, and are rapidly assuming their wonted glory. 

The county has an area of 960 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 26,151 ; population in 1880, 30,890; white, 
.7,276; colored, 23,617. 

Tilled Land — 169,097 acres. Area planted in cotton, 80,790 
acres; in corn, 43,876 acres; in oats, 6, 5 74 acres; in sugarcane, 
43 acres ; in tobacco, 43 acres ; in rice, 26 acres ; in sweet pota- 
toes, 1, 138 acres. 

Cotton Production — 23,481 bales. 

The northern portion of Marengo county is level, or slightly 
undulating. Th,e soils vary, being partly stift prairie and partly 
light sandy loam. There is prevailing, in some parts of this sec- 
tion, a postoak soil, Which is heavy sandy clay of reddish and 
yellowish colors. 

The county is diversified throughout with hills, plains, and fer- 



134 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



tile valleys. The great stretches of prairie are broken here and 
there by a line of hills, which overlook vast regions of country or 
gaze down upon rich valleys. The several soils are black prairie, 
which belong to the plains ; the mulatto soils, which belong to the 
higher tablelands, and the gray hammock. As is true throughout 
the counties of the Black Belt, the most valuable of these soils is 
the black prairie, but all are valuable under different circumstances. 
Over these lime lands grows the mellilotus, or honey weed, an 
excellent forage herb, of which stock of all kinds are exceedingly 
fond. Oftentimes it grows to the height of six feet and over- 
spreads the bare lime rock. Raisers of stock prize it quite highly 
for its nutritious qualities. 

The canebrake lands of Marengo are found in the northern end 
of the county and extend southward about ten or fifteen miles. 
These lands have long been proverbial for their marvelous produc- 
tive qualities. 

From about the center southward, the lands become thinner 
with a sandy surface. About the center of the county occur the 

flatwoods, " which extend with varying width across the county 
from east to west. The average width is five or six miles. This 
region of flatwoods is slightly undulating, and because of the waxi- 
ness of the soil, is not sought by the planter. Upon analysis, the 
soils of this peculiar section are found to be deficient in lime, 
though in some portions of it cotton grows remarkably well. Early 
in the spring the wild clover, lespedeza, begins to show itself in 
this flatwoods country, and attains to the height of two or three 
feet. A finer grazing region was never seen than this flatwoods 
section, which sweeps without interruption from the Tombigbee 
to the Alabama River. This wild clover is eagerly sought by all 
kinds of stock, and lasts from March or April until the coldest 
periods of winter. Where streams flow across the flatwoods they 
are thickly bordered with luxuriant swamp cane. 

Lower down still are the famous Rembert hills, the favorite 
resort of the planters of the past as a region in which to establish 
their homes. These high hills overlook the rich valleys which lie 
along Beaver Creek. Along the last-named stream are outcrop- 
pings of marl beds, which lend additional richness to the soils. 
All these lands — the black prairie and the brown loam on the 
uplands, as well as the light gray — are valuable and productive. 
The crops usually produced are corn, cotton, peas, sweet and Irish 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



potatoes, millet, oats and sugar-cane. Corn and cotton thrive 
about equally well upon the different lands. 

Some of the lands lying in the bottoms have been ir^ cultivation 
fifty years or more, and yet they are seemingly as exhaustless in 
fertility now as ever. 

That there are fine phosphate beds in Marengo there is no doubt. 
Attention has been called only to the evidence of these deposits. 
It is conspicuous in the neighborhood of Luther's Store, and pre- 
vails across the country in the direction of Black's Bluff, on the 
Alabama River. Green sand is seen in some considerable abun- 
dance in several places, most notably where the Linden and Nana- 
falia road crosses Double creek. Also on the Tombigbee between 
the mouth of Beaver Creek and Nanafalia green sand is found. A 
surer evidence of the fertility of these Marengo lands could not be 
had. 

The timbers of the county are the several varieties of oak, hick- 
ory, poplar, scalybark, ash, hackberry, cedar, sweet gum, red, 
, white, and slippery elm, cottonwood, buckeye, persimmon, and 
dogwood. In the southern end of the county there are domains 
of yellow or long-leaf pine in its virgin plentitude. It is superior 
in every respect. Along the streams are dense brakes of cane, and 
in the swamps large districts of palmetto. 

Transportation is afforded by the Tombigbee River, which forms 
its western border, and the East Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia 
' Railroad. 

Steps are being taken to construct dummy lines in different 
portions of the county. One is in contemplation in the near future 
between Faunsdale and Linden. All the interior towns and vil- 
lages have telephonic connection with the Western Union Tele- 
graph Company, either at Faunsdale or Demopolis. 

Its chief streams are the Tombigbee and \A'arrior Rivers, the 
Chicasaw Bogue, Dickson's, Double, Beaver, Horse, Turkey, 
Duck, and Bear Creeks. 

Linden, the county-seat, DemopoHs, Faunsdale, Dayton, Mc- 
Kinley, Nanafalia, Jefferson, and Spring Hill are the points of 
interest. These have excellent educational and religious advan- 
tages. 

The point of greatest interest in the county is Demopolis, a 
town of 2,000 inhabitants, located upon a high bluff of the Tom- 
bigbee River. Its commercial advantages are superior by reason 



136 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



of its proximity to fertile sections of the several counties, viz : 
Green Hale and Sumter. 

Its transportation advantages are superior, being at the junction 
of the Tombigbee River with the East Tennessee, Virginia & Geor- 
gia Railroad. In the surrounding region prevails the finest lime- 
stone and in vast abundance. The town supports good schools, 
churches, and hotels. It has a female institution of merit. Its 
mineral well, the volume of which is immense, is one of the best 
in the South, and readily supplies every portion of the town with 
superior water. Demopolis is an excellent cotton market. It 
sustains a large cotton-seed oil mill. 

Eager to have their lands occupied, the owners offer rare induce- 
ments to immigrants. The best lands may be had from ^8 to $20 
per acre. Lands less fertile sell for much less. 

There are 4,000 acres of government land in the county await- 
ing occupation. 



WILCOX COUNTY. 

This county derived its name from Lieutenant Joseph M. Wil- 
cox. It was created as early as 18 19, and has steadily maintained 
a reputation as one of the leading agricultural counties of the State. 
It is highly favored, both with respect to the character of its lands 
and the abundant supplies of water. Most of its lands, and espe- 
cially its most tillable soils, lie well for cultivation Its favorable 
climate, its diverse soils, its varied crops, make it a most desirable 
home for the man of limited means, as well as for the more exten- 
sive planter. Its area embraces 960 square miles. 
* Population in 1 870, 28,377; population in 1880, 31,828. White, 
6,711; colored, 25,117. 

'fi/Zed Land— 161,22s a.cres. Area planted in cotton, 77, 076 acres; 
in corn, 40,053 acres ; in oats, 7,01 1 acres ; in sugar-cane, 25 i acres ; 
in rice, 14 acres; in tobacco, 15 acres; in sweet potatoes, 1,597 acres. 

Cotton Production — 26,745 bales. 

The general surface of Wilcox is uneven though it has much 
level land. Most of the land of even surface, whether found in 
the prairie districts, along the streams, or upon the table lands 
amid the hills, has been brought into cultivation. In the palmy 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



days of the past, there could have been seen, in the most fertile 
sections of the county, especially upon its prarie and bottom lands, 
some of the most splendid and extensive plantations of the Far 
South. There is a variety of soil to be found in different parts of 
the county, and sometimes a variety in the same section. For 
instance, along the northern end of Wilcox, there are to be found 
all the varieties of black and red, with gray or white lands, with 
an occasional intervention of mulatto soil. All of this land is pro- 
ductive, however. This is a fair index of the diversity of soils 
prevalent throughout Wilcox. The gray and mulatto uplands are 
valuable for farming purposes, while the black prairie soils, and 
the rich alluvial bottoms which lie along the large creeks and Ala- 
bama River, sometimes embracing leagues of land in the great 
curves of that stream, are remarkable for their productiveness. 
Upon these, grows to rank luxuriance, the cotton of Wilcox, the 
yield of which, under favorable circumstances, is immense 

In portions of the county, notably in the southern part, the 
lands become thinner, being overlaid with a surface of dark sands. 
But beneath this sandy surface, there is usually a deep red, or 
yellowish clay subsoil, which proves an invaluable adjunct to the 
upper soil in the production of crops. Cotton, corn, oats, sweet 
and Irish potatoes, millet, sorghum, sugar-cane, and rice, are the 
principal products of the farm. 

In some portions of Wilcox, the breeds of stock are being vastly 
improved, and this is leading to the cultivation of useful grasses, 
which flourish with only partial attention. 

The native grasses in summer, and the cane which abounds 
along the creeks and river at all seasons, furnish herbage for stock 
throughout the year. Enterprising parties are engaged in every 
portion of the county in stock raising. Horses and mules are 
raised with ease and scarcely at no expense. The dairy interest? 
is exciting attention and large numbers of improved strains of cat- 
tle have been introduced into the county. 

Large quantities of apples, peaches, pears, and plums, are pro- 
duced in great abundance every year. All the domestic berries, 
such as raspberries and strawberries, produce quite satisfactorily, 
and quantities are annually grown. All the wild fruits known to 
our southern lattitude, grow in the waste places and through the 
forests of Wilcox. 

The range of hills in southern Wilcox are admirably adapted to 



138 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



fruit raising. From the orchards fruit comes to perfection earHer 
than in any other section of the State. Grapes are easily and 
abundantly produced. 

The timbers of the county are long and short-leaf pine, the dif- 
ferent varieties of oak, hickory, ash, elm, poplar, cedar, mulberry, 
'beech, magnolia, sycamore, and walnut. Some of the most splen- 
did specimens of timber found in Southern forests can be obtained 
in Wilcox. Perhaps no county surpasses it in the abundance of 
its cedar growth. There is also quite a quantity of excellent 
cypress timber. When this is removed, and the land upon which 
it grows is thoroughly drained, it has been found to equal any 
other in its capacity of production. 

The Alabama River, Pursley, Pine Barren, Cedar Gravel, Bear, 
Turkey, and Chilatchee Creeks, are the chief streams flowing 
through the county, but like all large streams, they are fed by 
many smaller ones, which drain different parts of the county. 
These and others afford a sufficiency of water. The water of the 
springs and wells is either of the coolest freestone, or purest lime- 
stone. Green sand marl has been found at different points in 
Wilcox. Between Coal Bluff, on the Alabama River, and the 
mouth of Pursley Creek, not a great distance' above Gullett's 
Landing, there are several occurrences of green sand along the 
banks of the river. These extend to within a short distance of 
Yellow Bluff, at McNeill's Shoals. Evidences of green sand pre- 
vail near Lower Peach Tree. The productiveness of the lands 
which are embraced in the great curves of the Alabama, is no 
doubt largely due to the prevalence of these marls. The pres- 
ence of green sand is also reported from the neighborhood of 
Snow Hill. At Coal Bluff, on the Alabama River, are traces of 
coal. 

The places of interest are Camden, a beautiful town of 1,400 
people, and the county seat. Snow Hill, AUenton, Pine Apple, 
and Rehoboth. Most of these places have superior educational 
facilities. All of them have excellent church organizations. 

Camden has been long noted for the superiority of its social 
advantages. It is a center of controlling influence in that section 
of the State in which it is located. Besides an excellent male 
High School, Camden has a Female Institute, which has long been 
established. Both at Snow Hill and Pine Apple, are schools of 
superior grades. An excellent school is also sustained at Oak 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Hill. Wilcox is not excelled, perhaps, by any other county in 
Alabama, in educational institutions of superior order. 

Facilities for religious worship also abound throughout the 
county, There are many local industries, such as ginneries, grist 
and saw mills, and the number of these are annually increasing. 
For transportation, the people of the eastern end of the county 
rely mainly upon the Pensacola & Selma Railroad, which at pres- 
ent, extends from Selma to Pine Apple. 

The Mobile & Birmingham Railroad, which has just been com- 
pleted, traverses the western portion of the county. Tjiis has 
awakened great interest, as it furnishes this fertile section with an 
outlet to New Orleans and other Gulf ports. It also brings it into 
connection with the great railway systems at Selma, Montgomery 
and Birmingham. The Camden, Hayneville & Montgomery Rail- 
road is in contemplation. 

The Alabama River is an important channel of commerce to a 
large section of Wilcox county. This is regarded one of the 
finest waterways in the South, and in more prosperous days sup- 
ported some of the most magnificent steamers found upon Amer- 
ican rivers. 

A telephonic line links together Camden and Snow Hill, where 
it connects with the Western Union Telegraph Company. The 
Vicksburg and Brunswick Railroad is projected through Wilcox, 
and is expected to pass the town of Camden. 

Lands may be purchased in the county at prices ranging from 
$2 to $2^, depending, of course, upon the locality and the fertility 
— the average price being from ^3 to per acre. 

So eager are the people to have thrifty and energetic settlers 
locate in their midst, that they are willing to offer extraordinary 
inducements in the sale of lands and homes. 

There are 3,380 acres of government land in Wilcox still 
untaken. 

Detailed information concerning the county will be cheerfully 
furnished by Hon. Sol. D. Bloch, Camden, Ala. 



140 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



DALLAS COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1818, and named after Mr. Alexan- 
der J. Dallas, of Pennsylvania. Lying in the very heart of the 
great Cotton Belt, and enjoying to the fullest all the favorable 
conditions belonging to this famous section, Dallas stands in the 
van of ^ the counties belonging to the great commonwealth of 
Alabama. 

It has an area of 980 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 40,705; population in 1880, 48,433. 
White, 8,425; colored, 40,008. 

Tilled Land — 207,404 acres. Area planted in cotton, 115,631 
acres; in corn, 46,542 acres; in oats, 8,260 acres; in wheat, 71 
acres; in tobacco, 13 acres; in sugar-cane, 18 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 2,256 acres. 

Cotton Production — 3 3, 5 34 bales. ' < ^ 

The surface of Dallas county is undulating. In the northeastern 
corner of the county is found prevailing pine lands, which are 
chiefly devoted to the lumber interest. This region is specially 
noted for its health, its clear- flowing streams, and its excellent 
pine timber. As it is becoming more populous it is being more 
and more devoted to agricultural pursuits. Cotton and corn are 
found to do well in that section. North Dallas is elevated, and is 
well adapted to farming and stock-raising. The soils upon the 
table-lands are red and gray. Passing the hill country, toward 
the center, we reach the sandy lands, which prevail for a consid- 
erable distance, broken only by the streams which traverse it in 
several directions. In the western portion of the county is the 
famous canebrake region, which, for favorableness of surface and 
productiveness of soil, can not be excelled. Lower down, upon 
the western border, is found variable soils, and a variety of forest 
growth and field vegetation. 

The lands along the Alabama, after that river emerges from the 
sand region, in which Selma is located, are famous for their fer- 
tility. Upon the terraces, which exist after the river bottoms are 
passed, the lands are level and susceptible of a high degree of 
cultivation. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



141 



In no portion of the county are there found barren soils. Even 
in the sandy regions are produced the finest vegetables and fruits. 
The value of its soils will be appreciated when it is stated that 
Dallas produces more cotton than any other county in the State. 
The extensive bottoms which skirt the Alabama River, and the 
large creeks which penetrate the county^ as well as the canebrake 
regions and the loamy uplands, are almost altogether devoted to 
cotton. Corn, oats and sweet potatoes are also extensively pro- 
duced. 

Of late years much attention is being given to the production of 
hay. Vast hay farms are to be found in the most fertile portions 
of the county. Consequent upon this is the attention bestowed 
upon stock. In some instances cotton has been wholly abandoned, 
and productive farms are devoted to stock. It is proving so lucra- 
tive that there are annual accessions to the ranks of stock-raisers. 
These stiff, limey soils are admirably suited to the production of 
grasses and clovers. 

The growth of the forests is pine (yellow and short-leaf), the 
different oaks, chestnut, hickory, gums, beech, ash and cedar. 
Fruits thrive moderately well, such as apples, peaches and pears. 
Plums do remarkably well, and so do grapes, the domestic berries 
and watermelons. 

The principal streams are the Alabama and Cahaba Rivers, Big 
Mulberry, Beech, Bogue Chitta, Big Swamp, Mush and Cedar 
Creeks. Artesian wells abound in different parts of Dallas, afford- 
ing an undiminished supply of water. 

The county is highly favored in^ its numerous lines of transpor- 
tation, being penetrated by the Selma & Pensacola, Mobile & 
Birmingham, the Selma & New Orleans, East Tennessee, Virginia 
& Georgia, Western of Alabama, Cincinnati, Selma & Mobile 
Railroads, and the Alabama River. Comimercial outlets are thus 
afforded to every point of the compass. The Chicago & Pensa- 
cola, Grand Trunk and the Atlanta & Atlantic Railroads are new 
lines now in contemplation. One of the purposes of their con- 
struction is to bring Selma into connection with the great outlying; 
mineral regions. 

SELMA. 

Selma is the fourth in size of the cities of Alabama. It has a 
population of about 12,000. For many years it has been noted 
for its wealth, refinement and morals. It reposes upon the high 



142 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



banks of the Alabama River and commands a magnificent view 
for many miles. One of the notable features of the city is the 
number of its artesian wells. It has more than one hundred 
within its limits, many of which possess curative properties. The 
city is in annual receipt of from 75,000 to 100,000 bales of cotton. 
Its industries embrace foundries, cotton mills, cotton seed oil and 
cake mills, broom factory, sash, door and blind manufactory, fer- 
tilizer and ice factories, besides minor industries. 

Philip Armour has an immense establishment here for the dis- 
tribution of meats. The city is lighted by gas and electricity. It 
is penetrated by a dummy line that reaches all the business places 
and hotels. Selma has a public school system second to that of 
no other Southern city. It has nine churches for the white popu- 
lation and as many for the colored. The city is favored with a 
magnificent iron drawbridge, which spans the Alabamn River 
upon the South, Besides Selma there are other points of interest, 
among which may be named, Orville, Summerfield, Pleasant Hill 
and Richmond. All these places support good schools. An 
excellent public school systsm prevails throughout the county. 

Those wishing to purchase lands in one of the most favored and 
fertile regions in Alabama may secure them in Dallas county for 
prices ranging from ^3 to ^25 per acre. Numerous schemes are 
on foot to induce capital and immigration to the county. The 
kindest attention will be shown those who wish to secure homes. 

Advantages will be found in the fertility of the soils, the cheap- 
ness of lands, the abundance of timber, the ease of transportation, 
and the law-abiding disposition of the people. 

More productive lands cannot be found in the State than in this 
county, and perhaps no other affords greater advantages in the 
prices of lands. It is in the heart of the great Cotton Belt. 

Respecting its chief city, Selma, there is no point in Alabama 
more highly favored in location for the establishment of manufac- 
tories. From this point to the waters of the Gulf there is deep 
water throughout the year. Connected with the great mineral 
fields above, and Selma would become an important shipping 
point of the valuable ores of Alabama to the port of Mobile. 

The geographical location of Dallas county is such as to favor 
the prediction that it will prove one of the most active centers of 
industry in the State. 

The public lands of the county have all been taken. 



• ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



PERRY COUNTY. 

Perry was created in 18 19 and named in honor of Commodore 
Oliver Hazard Perry, of the United States Navy. Here, as 
throughout this portion of the great Black Belt, are all the evi- 
dences of bounty in the deep, rich soil, the increasing flow of 
streams, the green-clad hills and forests of towering timber. Under 
a perfect system of labor, these black soils of Perry county would 
yield astonishingly. For many years in cultivation, these fruitful 
lands never refuse to bring forth abundantly where the planter is 
diligent in sowing and reaping. The county has an area of 790 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 24,975 ; population in 1880, 30,741. White, 
7, 150 ; colored, 23, 591. 

Tilled Land : 167,666 acres. — Area planted in cotton, 74,303 
acres; in corn, 48,132 acres; in oats, 6,093 acres; in wheat, 440 
acres ; in rye, 70 acres ; in rice, 27 acres ; in tobacco, 24 acres ; 
in sugar cane, 20 acres ; in sweet potatoes, i, 107 acres. 

Cotton Production : 21,627 bales. 

The northern end of the count}^ is of an uneven surface. The 
central and southern portions are level. In the northern portion 
there are brown loam uplands ; in the southern, there is the gen- 
uine prairie soil. These are the only two characteristics attaching 
to the lands of the county. Both these soils possess very great 
inherent fertility. Upon the highest of the hill lands in north 
Perry there is a prevalence of sand, in which grows chiefly the 
yellow or long-leaf pine. Descending to the • base of these hills, 
or rather to the uplands, we find, as was said above, a brown loam 
soil. Beneath this fertile surface there is a red loam subsoil, said 
to be twenty or twenty-five feet thick. The prairies proper, 
which embrace the central and southern portions of Perry, are 
broken here and there by sandy elevations, upon which are usually 
located the towns and settlements of the county. These knolls 
are admirably suited for the location of homes, as they place one 
beyond the reach of prairie mud, and at the same time furnish him 
with an abundant supply of excellent water. Corn and cotton are 
the chief crops, and their yield is oftentimes amazing. 



144 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Like many in the adjoining counties, the farmers of Perry are 
turning their attention to the remunerative pursuit of raising stock. 
Excellent stock farms can now be seen in the county, superior 
grasses are being cultivated, and the profits annually realized are 
most gratifying. These lands can not be surpassed for purposes 
of stock raising. 

Many delicious fruits are grown in the county. Peaches, pears, 
figs, and grapes, together with strawberries and watermelons, are 
the principal fruits produced. The timbers of the county are the 
usual upland oaks, hickory, short and long-leaf or yellow pine. 

Besides many smaller streams, there are the Cahaba river, and 
the Washington, Legreon, Blue Cat, Brush, Belcher's Five Mi)e, 
Big, and Bogue Chitta Creeks in Perry. A bounteous supply of 
water is furnished from the numerous and copius wells which are 
found in every portion of the county. 

Marion, the county-seat, with a population of near 3,cx)0, Union- 
town, and Hamburg are the points of interest. Marion has been 
long and justly famous for her institutions of learning. The 
Marion Military Institute is located here. Another magnificent 
school is the Judson Female Institute. The latter school is oper- 
ated under the auspices of the Baptist denomination of the State. 
The Marion Seminary, another college for female education and 
an institution of merit, is located in this highly-favored town. 
The society of the place is unexcelled in the South, and the health- 
fulness of the location good. The Methodist, Presbyterian, Bap- 
tist, and other denominations sustain excellent churches. Nea;' 
Uniontown is one of the Agricultural Experimental stations of the 
State, in successful operation. Railroad facilities are enjoyed 
through the lines of the Cincinnati, Selma & Mobile and the East 
Tennessee, Virginia & Georgia systems. 

But the most important highway of transportation will be the 
Mobile & Birmingham Railroad, which is now being built from 
Mobile to Birmingham, and other points North. This road will 
pierce the center both of the most productive agricultural and 
mineral sections of our State. 

The removal of the natural obstructions from the Cahaba River 
will also afford numerous advantages to this section. 

Immigrants could now purchase lands in Perry county upon the 
most favorable terms, not exceeding in price $S or $1^ per acre. 
Like the adjacent counties, there is a prevalence of marl in differ- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ent portions of Perry. The discovery of these deposits has had a 
tendency to increase the valuation of the lands. It is believed 
that these beds are sufficiently thick to encourage their develop- 
ment for commercial purposes. Whether this be true or not, 
there is no doubt that they will be of immense profit to the lands 
of the county. Traces of kaolin and other minerals have been 
discovered. The people of Perry county would extend a most 
cordial welcome to thrifty immigrants. In the county are 16,000 
acres of public or government land awaiting occupation by settlers. 



AUTAUGA COUNTY. 

Autauga county was created in 18 18, and named from the 
Indian word atttaugi, signifying a dumpling, meaning plenty. 
This is quite as suggestive to-day as it was when the Indian rudely 
cultivated his patches about his wigwam, realizing plenty from the 
generous st)il in which this region abounds. From the first settle- 
ment of the county, in the earliest days of the present century, to 
this time, many of the best soils of Autauga have been subjected 
to the most exhaustive means of cultivation,* and yet they seem as 
fruitful to-day as at any time in the past. Not only has Autauga 
held her place amid the most progressive agricultural counties, but 
it was one of the pioneer counties of the State in the manufactures. 

The county has an area of 660 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 11,623; population in 1880, 13,108. White, 
4, 397 ; colored, 8,711. 

Tilled Land — 81,388 acres. Area planted in cotton, 30,474 
acres; in corn, 20,417 acres; in oats, 2, 153 acres; in wheat, 700 
acres; in rye, 63 acres ; in rice, 43 acres; in sugar-cane, 22 acres; 
in sweet potatoes, 540 acres. 

Cotton Production — 7,944 bales. 

The surface of Autauga is undulating. In the northern portion 
there is a pine district, which is broken into hills and valleys. The 
forests are thronged almost altogether by the towering yellow pine, 
in the midst of which is slightly interspersed a stunted growth of 
black-jack oaks. The commercial value of this yellow pine is 
enormous, and will, one day, be a source of great revenue to the 
county. The lands of this region are thickly overspread with 



146 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



luxuriant herbage, embracing various wild grasses, clovers, and 
other plants, which afford superior pasturage. The deep subsoil 
of clay makes this a region favorable to the growth of fruits. The 
lands which skirt the streams in this portion of Autauga are good 
farming lands. Further down in the county the lands increase in 
their fertility, and one finds the farms multiplying the further south 
he goes. Sandy surface soil is still a predominating feature, but 
many of the lands lie well and are favorable to cultivation, both 
because they are level and because they are easily tilled. In this 
portion are found hammock lands, which lie along the streams. 
The table-lands are valuable for farming because of their deep clay 
foundation. In the Southern portion of Autauga the lands grow 
more prolific, and in some places exceedingly fertile. Here are 
found what are called second-bottom or river-hammock lands. 
Here again is found a district of that fertile land which follows the 
deep rolling Alabama in its windings to the sea. That famous 
river forms the southern boundary of the county, and its rich allu- 
vial bottoms yield splendid harvests. The lime lands in the south- 
western part of the county are superior for the production of cot- 
ton. Thus it will be seen that the soils of Autauga range from the 
richest alluvial to those found upon the surface of the pine hills, 
including the red or brown loam table-lands of the county. The 
soils favor a diversified field industry, and, perhaps, no county 
furnishes a more thrifty and contented population than does 
Autauga. They produce for commerce and home consumption 
cotton, corn, oats, wheat, rye, rice, potatoes, sorghum and sugar- 
cane. Many of these were at first planted only cautiously and as 
experiments, but they are productive and contribute so much to 
the happiness and welfare of the people that they are rapidly 
becoming staples. All the garden and orchard products that flour- 
ish in southern soil are easily produced in this county. Peaches, 
apples, plums, pears, grapes, figs and pomegranates are ordinary 
luxuries. Principal among its timbers are white and chestnut oak, 
shell-bark hickory, ash, poplar, sweet gum, beech, maple, cedar, 
cypress, and vast districts of pine. 

The water supply of the county is abundant, there being many 
streams, springs, and wells in every part of its territory. The 
main streams are the Alabama River, Big and Little Mulberry, 
Swift, Beaver, Nolan^s Whitewater, Bear, and Autauga Creeks. 
Flowing through such lands as have been described above, these 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



H7 



streams enhance their value for the production of stock. This 
industry is assuming greater prominence every year. Wool grow- 
ing is fast resolving itself into one of the industries of the county. 
These swift and deep streams are favorable also to the manufac- 
turers. For many miles along Autauga Creek there are the most 
favorable locations for manufactories. This is true of other streams 
of the county. Appreciating this fact, Daniel Pratt, one of the 
pioneer manufacturers of the South, built a cotton mill upon one 
of the streams of the county as early as 1846. This has been 
followed by others, and to-day there are the following manufac- 
turing interests in different parts of Autauga : Prattville Mills, 
Autaugaville Factory, Planters' Factory, and Lehman Mills. The 
Alabama River flows along its southern border, the East Tennes- 
see, Virginia & Georgia Railroad also penetrates it in the west, 
and the Louisville & Nashville Railroad cuts across the north- 
eastern portion of the county ; and these furnish the means of 
transportation. With an increase of such facilities, the county is 
in position to take a long stride forward. Principal among the 
thrifty little towns that dot the county over may be mentioned 
Prattville, the county seat, with a population of 1,400, Autauga- 
ville, Kingston and Mulberry. These are thrifty centers and 
have good educational and church advantages. Common schools 
are sustained throughout the county. 

Lands may be purchased at as low figures as ;^i.6o per acre; or, 
in highly favored localities, it will cost from $S to $1$ per acre. 
Since the recent discovery of marl deposits, the lands are more 
highly prized. These marls have not as yet been developed, but 
should they prove of no commercial value, they will be of great 
practical advantage in the enrichment of the surface soils. Immi- 
grants would meet every encouragement in seeking homes in 
Autauga county. 

There are 10,000 acres of government land to be had in the 
county. 



148 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



' LOWNDES COUNTY. 

Established in 1830, this county was named in honor of Hon, 
William Lowndes, of South Carolina. It has long been noted for 
productiveness of its lands, and is regarded one of the best agri- 
cultural distriqts in the South. Prior to the war, the planters of 
Lowndes made immense fortunes from farming upon its fertile cot- 
ton fields. Though in use many years, the lands remain unimpaired 
in their productiveness. The county needs only the hands of sys- 
tem and diligence to direct and urge the industries suited to the 
capabilities of its soils to place it alongside the most advanced sec- 
tions of our planting interests. Like 'all other localities of the 
famous Cotton Belt, Lowndes county has shared in the shrinkage 
of the valuation of lands. This is mainly due to the destruction 
of an organized labor system consequent upon the emancipation 
of the slaves. Its lands are well adapted to the employment of 
improved implements of labor. The area of the county is 740 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 25,719 ; population in 1880, 31, 176. White, 
5,645 ; colored, 25,531. 

Tilled Land — 181, 272 acres. Area planted in cotton, 98, 200 acres; 
in corn, 41, 169 acres; in oats, 3, 630 acres; in sugar-cane, 201 acres; 
in sweet potatoes, 1,004 acres. 

Cotton Pfoduction — 29,356 bales. 

The surface of Lowndes is rolling. The whole of the county 
lies within the prairie belt, still there is a fair proportion of upland 
soils. Along the table-lands are found sandy loam soils ; in the 
extensive bottoms which prevail along the river and the numerous 
streams are found dark loam soils, while upon the prairies proper 
and the flanks of the lime-hills exist the soils which have a -great 
admixture of lime. While the prevailing surface of Lowndes is 
rolling, there are many precipitous hills in the southern portion. 
The presence of lime in the clay makes the roads mirey during the 
wet seasons. This feature, connected with that extreme south- 
western portion, has won it the local name of "Little Texas./' 
But this constitutes but a fractional part of this magnificent agri- 
cultural region. A feature belonging largely to the first bottom 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



149 



soils is that they are sandy, but derive vast benefits from the 
underlying formations of lime. Here, as elsewhere in the prairie 
region, there are occasional interventions of sandy knolls, which 
furnish locations for houses and settlements, and also an abundance 
of good water. 

The main crops grown in Lowndes are cotton, corn, oats, sweet 
and Irish potatoes, millet, and sugarcane. The black lands are 
usually devoted to the production of corn, while the sandy lands 
are employed for raising cotton ; but the red lands produce both 
equally well. Many of these lands are well adapted to pasturage 
purposes. Numerous grasses flourish, some of which are indigen- 
ous and others imported. These, together with the varieties of 
clover and the dense brakes of cane, which prevail along the 
streams and in the marshy lowlands, make this one of the most 
desirable sections for stock raising. This consideration is enhanced 
by the fact that the winters in this latitude are brief and mild, and 
stock does not have to be so tenderly cared for during the cold 
season as in sections further north. Pintlala, Big Swamp, Cedar, 
and Dry Creeks, with numerous tributaries, flow across the county. 
It is along these streams that much of the richest land of the 
county is found. 

Scattered throughout Lowndes are broad belts of valuable tim- 
ber, comprising several varieties of oak, hickory, long and short 
leaf pine, elm, ash, poplar, walnut, sycamore, gum, beech, cedar, 
mulberry, and chestnut. Points of interest are Hayneville, the 
county seat, with a population of several hundred, Lowndesboro, 
Benton, Fort Deposit, and Letohatchie. Good schools are found 
in almost all the centers of population, while a common school 
system provides educational advantages for all classes. 

Transportation is afforded by the Louisville. & Nashville Rail- 
road, the Montgomery & Selma Railroad, and the Alabama River. 

A new line is surveyed through the county from Montgomery 
to Camden. It is expected to penetrate the heart of the county, 
touching at Hayneville. 

Lands may be purchased for from $3 to $20 per acre. 

Desiring the development of the inherent resources of the 
county, the people are quite favorable to immigration, and will 
offer rare bargains to those desiring superior farming lands. 

There are no government lands in the county. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



MONTGOMERY COUNTY. 

This county was organized as far back as 1816, and named in^ 
honor ot Major Lemuel P. Montgomery, of Virginia. It is one 
of the foremost in the Southern States in the production of such- 
staples as cotton and corn. Located in the great agricultural belt, 
and enjoying numerous natural facilities of the highest order, its 
prosperity through a long series of years has been uninterrupted. 
Montgomery, the county-seat, is noted as being also the capital 
of the State since 1846, and as being the first capital of the seced- 
ing States in 1861. 

The county has an area of 740 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 43,704; population in 1880, 52,356. 
White, 13,457; colored, 38,899. 

Tilled La?id — 241, 570 acres. Area planted in cotton, 112,125 
acres; in corn, 62,303 acres; in oats, 4,895 acres; in wheat, 58 
acres; in sugar-cane, 174 acres; in sweet potatoes, 1,720 acres. 

Coito7t Production — 31,732 bales 

The favorable location of this county on the Alabama River, 
which affords navigation to the Gulf of Mexico, and the great fer- 
tility of its soil, at an early period attracted the attention of enter- 
prising capitalists from all sections. North and South, and its lands 
were rapidly taken up as they were thrown upon the market by 
the United States government. The pioneer settlers prospered in 
all the branches of business open to them. Especially was this 
so with the agriculturists. The rich river bottoms, skirted by fer- 
tile red uplands, studded with large hickories, red oaks, poplars, 
etc., often clad to their very tops by clinging grape vines, merg- 
ing into broad prairies of great fertility, on which the wild grasses 
often grew to six or seven feet in height, furnishing food for 
numerous herds of cattle — it was indeed a land flowing with milk 
and honey, The errors and indifference growing out of the ease 
and luxury of its ever prosperous people, have changed this nat- 
ural fertihty and scenery to one less fascinating to the new comers. 
But there is life in the old land yet," and there is offered a more 
real and brighter promise to the enterprising and thoughtful man 
than ever before. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The hardships and privations attending the first settlers — the 
clearing away of the dense forests — the difficulty of procuring 
corn for bread often having to transport it man}' miles on horse- 
back through forests infested with hostile Indians, and grinding 
the same by hand, the encountering of sickness incident to new 
countries, and many other dangers and discomforts, have passed 
away, and the new-comer now meets an orderly, law-abiding peo- 
ple, enjoying all the social comforts that society can offer, and all 
the conveniences to facilitate trade and travel. 

The actual cost of reducing lands to their present state of cul- 
tivation would not fall short of twenty dollars per acre in addition 
to the original cost of the land^ which, in many instances, was 
from three to four times the present price, whilst they can now be 
purchased at from ^3 to $26 per acre at any portion of the county 
not contiguous to the city. Skill and industry will, at less cost 
than was required to reduce them to cultivation, restore these 
lands to more th^n their original fertility, as has been fully dem- 
onstrated in numerous instances. The 400 to 500 square miles of 
ppairie soil in the county is underlaid at depths practicable for util- 
ization, with a strata of bones and shells of marine animals, con- 
taining lime, potash, phosphorus, and, in fact, all the mineral 
Ingredients of plant food. The other requisites for successful fer- 
tilization can be obtained from stock pens, cotton seed, and by 
turning under cow peas or other green crops. 

There is very little waste land in the county. 

The money value of its agricultural products for the year i860 
exceeded that of any county in Illinois or Indiana, but the besom 
of destruction and demoralizatioil incident to all wars, swept over 
it^ and the census of 1870 shows that the value of the same pro- 
ducts was only 32 per cent, of that of the previous decade, and 
real estate was depreciated in a still greater ratio. The produc- 
tion has since 1870 about doubled, and the prices of lands 
enhanced in a like degree. 

All the crops of the North can be more profitably produced 
here, and still more profitable crops raised that can only be 
brought to maturity in hot houses in that latitude. At least two- 
thirds of the tillable land of the county are devoted to the produc- 
tion of cotton. 

Cotton, corn, wheat, rye, oats, barley, sugai--cane, tobacco, 
indigo, field peas, and the grasses, all grow as profitable field crops. 



152 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The cabbage, melons of all sorts, squash, cucumber, tomato, okra, 
Irish and sweet potato, ground peas, English peas, beans, onions, 
celery, asparagus, and all varieties of garden truck are easily and 
profitably raised. The peach, pear, apple, quince, fig, plum, nec- 
tarine, pomegranate, apricot, grape, and the great variety of ber- 
ries, some of which are indigenous to this section, all grow to 
perfection and are salable at good prices. 

On a hill about ten miles from the capitol, sixty-three annual 
crops of fruit are said to have been raised, with but little attention 
and labor, without a single failure. The writer saw, a few days 
ago, about five bushels of very small, inferior pears delivered to a 
purchaser who paid two dollars and a half per bushel for them, 
and yet the people give these more profitable crops but Httle 
attention. If lOO pear trees were well cultivated, they would 
yield from five to ten bushels each, or from 1^1,250 to ^2,500 per 
annum for the 100 trees, and so with many other kinds of fruits. 
In from two to three year» the peach, fig and grape will bear fruit, 
and their cultivation would open a certain road to fortune. 

The mortality of the county, including the city of Montgomery, 
is about -12 per 1,000 only. 

The winters are so mild that it is not necessary to house stock, 
and the laborer can pursue his field operations throughout the 
year The rains are abundant for the luxuriant growth of crops, 
and no devastating storm has ever visited the county. The high- 
est speed attained by the wind during the existence of the weather 
bureau in the city of Montgomery, was 48 miles per hour, and 
then only of a few minutes duration. The average speed for each 
year varies from four to six miles per hour. In the hottest days 
of summer the thermometer never records so high a temperature 
as is experienced at the North, and the heat is tempered by cool- 
ing breezes from the Gulf of Mexico. 

The city of Montgomery is the capitol of the county and State 
and is situated on the Alabama River, a few miles below the junc- 
tion of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, the latter forming the 
northern boundary of the county. The junction of these two riv- 
ers forms the Alabama, which is navigable for steamboats alL the 
year round. Montgomery has a population of 30,000, showing 
an increase of 100 per cent, in the last ten years, with a prospect 
of continuing this rate of improvement in the future. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



THE CITY OF MONTGOMERY. 

Montgomery, the capital of Alabama, is a beautiful and well- 
equipped city of thirty thousand inhabitants. It has grown to its 
present proportions mainly from its trade with the farmers and 
lumbermen of Central, Eastern and Southern Alabama, though its 
merchants sell many goods in Southeast Georgia and West Florida. 
Its manufactures arc principally of recent growth, and their terri- 
tory is much wider. 

The purpose of this article has nothing to do with the historical 
wealth of the town. Fortunately in this year 1888, the thoughts 
of her people are bent on the present and the future. The best 
service, then, which printer's ink can do for her, is to enable the 
great mass of people, North and South, who are seeking homes 
and investments in the fast developing State of Alabama, to know 
what manner of city Montgomery is, what her resources and 
advantages are, and what prospect stretches before her. In the 
first place then, 

MONTGOMERY. 

is the largest and wealthiest city in the agricultural district of Ala- 
bama. 

Her population is between twenty-five and thirty thousand 
people. 

HER DEATH RATE. 

varies from 8 to 12 per thousand per annum. Indeed so remark- 
able is the health of the city, that life insurance companies long 
ago exempted her from the specially high premium in force for 
this latitude and put her in the same category with the most 
favored localities in the North. The progressive administration 
of her present mayor, Hon. W. S. Reese, is putting in a complete 
system of sanitary sewerage, embodying all the improvements 
hitherto made in the well-known system of the famous Waring. 
The health of Montgomery is largely due to her 

SUPERB SITE, 

the city being situated on an amphitheatre of hills o^ easy grade, 
the basin of which is a nearly level space large enough for the bus- 
iness portion of a town twice its size. The residences begin at the 
edges of the basin and stretch back over the hills, covering a sec- 
tion of the level and broken area beyond their top. All face the 



154 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Alabama River, the bluff being so high as to prevent overflowing 
and exempt the city from all malarial influences. Thus the city is 
not only well drained in every part, but the beauty of the place is 
second to none in the country. 

THE CAPITOL BUILDING, 

the most prominent object in Montgomery, is on an eminence in 
the eastern part of the city, which overlooks the town and the sur- 
rounding country. From the upper stories of the building, the 
landscape unfolded to the view embraces the surrounding country, 
hills and river and level plains, for a distance of twenty miles. 

Montgomery's equipment as a city includes every convenience 
and luxury known to the people of New York. 

HER CITY BUILDING 

is a handsome three story brick structure with market house, and a 
separate building for police headquarters and city jail adjoining. 
The offices, and especially the council chamber, are fitted in a 
style that exceeds anything south of Baltimore. After seeing the 
outfit of the city government, including the prison, Charles Dud- 
ley Warner, the distinguished philanthropist and writer, said they 
were the best he had seen in the South, and betokened an order 
and a system ''a humanity" that one finds only in a few of the 
oldest and most advanced towns of his own New England. 

THE POST OFFICE 

is an elegant brick structure recently built by the United States 
Government. It contains the offices and rooms of the United 
States Courts, Internal Revenue Bureau, Public Land Depart- 
ment, etc. 

Montgomery is a 

WELL LIGHTED 

city, having gas and electricity, both of which are used for light- 
ing the streets and public squares, as well as the houses. A clus- 
ter of four electric lights on the tower of the City Building, and 
another on the dome of the Capitol, are visible at night from a 
distance of twenty miles around. 

In the matter of local transit Montgomery has little more to 
wish for. She is a compactly built city, and fifteen miles of 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ELECTRIC STREET RAILWAY 

connect every part of the town with the square in the centre, 
where all the lines meet. All the cars are operated by electric 
motors, driven by a current sent through overhead wires from a 
central station. A speed of six miles an hour is attained and the 
cost of operating is one-fifth that of horse power. The system is 
that of Mr. Van Depoele, of Chicago. 

OF THEATRES 

we have two. both modern in their construction and arrangement. 
Montgomery is on the great Southern circuit, and during the sea- 
son the best attractions in the country are seen on our boards. 

THE HOTELS 

of the city are seven in number. The leading hotels are the 
Exchange and Windsor, the others being principally lodging 
houses. The accommodations are as good as can be found any- 
where, and the capacity equal to every demand that has ever been 
made upon them. 

THE CHURCHES 

are nine in number, including the Jewish Synagogue. These 
are Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterians, Catholics and Episcopal. 
Besides the colored people have a dozen nice houses of worship. 

SCHOOLS. 

In the matter of schools Montgomery has much to boast, much 
to be desired. In this industrial age no city can rest content with- 
out institutions where technical or industrial training is in reach of 
all her children. This addition to our school system will not be long 
in coming, but barring this need our school facilities are ample. 
A graded system of public schoools afford free education to all 
children between the age of seven and twenty-one. The amount 
expended each year is about ;$30,ooo, some of it from the general 
State fund and some from special local taxation. 

There are five large and commodious school buildings, three for 
white and two for colored pupils Two of the white school houses 
are of brick, one of them being a model structure erected last year 
at a cost of $30,000. One of the colored schools is also of brick, 
built years ago for a college. 



156 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Besides the public schools, the Hamner Hall, a college 
for girls, is an old and well conducted institution under the 
charge of Miss Everhart, a most accomplished lady. Besides, 
a number of private schools, primary and classical, give opportu- 
nities to those who are able to pay for a more careful training than 
is afforded by the great public school system. McCarthy's Busi- 
ness College teaches the art of book-keeping to boys and girls, 
keeping open both day and night. 

Some cities may be as well supplied wi^ water as Montgomery, 
but none better. A complete system of works, owned by the 
Capital City Water Company, and built two years ago, afford 
5,000,000 gallons per day of artesian water. The wells are in the 
city limits and are about 700 feet deep. This water is not only 
admirable for all manufacturing purposes, but needs nothing to 
make it the best drinking water. All the people use it for drink- 
ing purposes, drawn directly from the faucets in their houses. 
Over thirty miles of mains carry the water to every part of the 
city. The natural pressure from the stand pipe throws a stream 
over the highest buildings in the city, and on every business house 
a half dozen streams can be concentrated from the well arranged 
system of fire plugs, thus affording all the protection from fire that 
the utmost plentitude of water can insure. 

The prices are ten per cent, below the average of water in the 
cities of the country which are supplied by water companies. On 
her pure, wholesome, abundant water Montgomery makes a special 
and peculiar claim as to something rare and of priceless value. 

TRADE. 

The total volume of the trade of Montgomery is about $2^0,- 
000,000 annually. It extends over a large area, embracing all the 
country in Alabama from the Tennessee Valley to the Gulf, and 
portions of Georgia and Florida. The principal item of her trade 
is in cotton, of which the past year she received about 100,000 
bales. Her receipts in good crop years go as high as 140, 000 bales. 

The next largest item is her grocery trade, in which she has 
invested over 1^1,500,000. The annual sales of her grocery mer- 
chants are nearly ;^7, 000,000. 

The next largest item is her dry goods trade, amounting to 
nearly ;^3,ooo,ooo annually. 

The tonnage of the goods delivered in Montgomery in a sifl- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



157 



gle year by the Louisville & Nashville Railroad is over 200,- 
000 ; that of the other roads and the river carrying the total 
tonnage to about 300,000. 

The total tonnage of freight furnished by Montgomery to the 
boats and railroads, and received from them, is slightly in excess 
of 500,000 tons 

a 

MANUFACTURES. 

Montgomery's principal growth in the past few years has 
been in the line of manufacturing. She is far from being the 
distinctively commercial city that she was in the recent past, 
more than one-fourth of her population now deriving its sup- 
port from creative industry. She has ;^2, 000,000 invested in fac- 
tories of various kinks. Except some minor industries the fol- 
lowing is a list : 

One cotton mill. 

Three cotton seed oil mils. 

One flouring mill. 

One oil refinery. 

One cracker factory. 

Three grist mills. 

Five general wood working mills, including in their products 
sash, doors, blinds, etc. 

Six carriage and wagon factories, most of them small, but all 
turning out vehicles complete, and one making nearly all the large 
wagons used by the Southern Express Company. 

Six brick and tile works. 

One boiler works. 

Three foundries and machine shops. ' 

One candy factory. 

Two ice factories. 

One soap factory. 

One fertiHzer factory. 

Two railroad car shops. 

One cigar factory. 

One furniture factory. 

One paper box factory. 

One sausage factory. 

One vinegar factory. 

One alcohol distillery. 



158 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



One iron furnace. 
Four cotton ginneries. 
One brewery. 

The whole number is fifty, and there are twenty-five different 
varieties. The manufacturing spirit of Montgomery is thus devel- 
oping along the line of numerous small industries, giving employ- 
ment to all classes of labor. 

Perhaps to the above list should be added the two enormous 
cotton compresses, which during the cotton season are kept going 
night and day. 

As a cotton market Montgomery is fully equipped, having 

SEVEN WAREHOUSES, . 

all of which are brick, and with a total storage capacity under 
shelter of 73,5 CMD bales. The warehouses charge 50 cents a bale 
storage. 

The total cost of marketing a bale of cotton in Montgomery, if 
sold on the streets, is nothing. 

If stored in a warehouse and sold by a commission merchant, 
the cost is 

The total amount of expense left in Montgomery by a bale of 
cotton, including warehouse charges, commission, weighing and 
compressing is $i.S^ per bale. 

RAILROADS. 

Montgomery has six railroads, or rather three roads with lines 
running out in six directions. She is on the main line of the great 
Louisville & Nashville, which connects her with the mineral and 
timber districts on the North, and gives her a direct line to the 
great markets of Louisville, Cincinnati and St. Louis ; and also 
directly connects her with the Gulf 'at three points. Mobile, New 
Orleans and Pensacola. 

The Georgia Central system has lines running in from three 
directions, the Montgomery & Eufaula coming up from the south- 
east, the Western coming from Atlanta and passing on to Selma 
and a junction with the Queen & Crescent route in West Alabama. 

The Montgomery & Florida is building toward Chattahoochee, 
Florida, and is already being operated a distance of about forty -five, 
miles due south. 

These roads give her through sleepers to Washington and New 



ALABAMA AS IT IS, 



York, to Cincinnati via Louisville, and to New Orleans, and of 
course to all intermediate points. They give her connection with 
the great markets of the country and the lowest freight rates, and 
in addition give her good command of the territory from which 
she draws her cotton and in which she sells her goods. 

RIVER. 

Montgomery is on the Alabama River, navigable for sixty miles 
above, and for over 400 below. It connects her all the year round 
with Mobile, the great seaport of Alabama. On this river ply 
three steamers a week, and in the busy season four. The mer- 
chants of Montgomery have a Trade Company which operates a 
line of boats in their special interest It operates in connection 
with the New York & Mobile Steamship Line, by which goods 
are brought from New York on through bills of lading. 

It also gives through bills of lading on cotton to New York and 
Liverpool via Mobile. 

These rates by water are of course below those which the rail- 
roads give to an interior point not on a navigable river, and serve 
not only to bring goods from the East to Montgomery at a cost 
less than other inland cities can get them by rail, but have brought 
the railroad rate fourteen per cent, below that of her rivals which 
depend on railroads alone. 

Montgomery comes under the exception to the long and short 
haul clause of the inter-State commerce act. 

PARKS. 

Adjoining the city limits on the east is the extensive park of 
Highland Park Company. It is connected with the heart of the 
city by two lines of electric street railway, the time being about 
twenty minutes. The park is an extensive oak woods of sixty 
acres and a beautiful pine grove of about thirty acres. In the 
midst of the oak grove is a nice pavilion, and near by is the begin- 
ning of a zoological garden already containing a number of rare 
and curious animals. The park is lighted by electricity supplied 
from the company's own plant. Swings, lawn tennis and other 
simple amusements are provided. The Capital City Water Com- 
pany furnish water. 

Riverside Park is on the opposite extreme of the city, and is 
the property of the Montgomery Land and Improvement Com- 
pany, which is building a manufacturing suburb. To make it 



i6o 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



more attractive as a place of residence and also a resort for the 
town, about seventy-five acres have been reserved for park pur- 
poses. 

Montgomery counts as no small part of her attractions the 
grounds and buildings of the State Fair, held by the State Agri- 
cultural Society. 

During the past year the city has filled a long felt want in build- 
ing an infirmary, where the sick and destitute are attended free of 
cost. The best medical attention is bestowed, and only experi- 
enced nurses are employed. It is maintained by the contribu- 
tions from tbe citizens. 

Generally speaking, many things can be said about the attrac- 
tiveness of Montgomery and what she has to offer in a social way. 
But the above outline of her institutions, her facihties and equip- 
ment as a city shows that she is a completely developed city, and 
is prepared to give a home with all modern conveniences, in a 
town with all modern appliances, to whomsoever will come. It 
goes without the saying that she has telegraph and telephone 
facilities, a fine volunteer fire department, express offices, etc. 



ELMORE COUNTY. 

Elmore county was formed in 1866, and named for Gen. John 
A. Elmore. The historic Tallapoosa, flowing down from the 
north, makes a great bend and thus forms two sides of the county. 
Its resources are varied, and its facilities for manufacturing are 
unsurpassed, if, indeed, they are not unequaled by any other 
county in Alabama. It embraces 630 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 14,477; population in 1880, 17,502. White^ 
8,747; colored, 8,755. 

Tilled Land — 73,897 acres. Are planted in cotton, 31,045 
acres; in corn, 20,000 acres; in oats, 5,153 acres; in wheat, 
3,883 acres; in rye, 27 acres; in rice, 5 acres; in tobacco, 12 
acres; in sugar-cane, 16 acres; in sweet potatoes, 642 acres. 

Cotton Production — 9,771 bales. 

The surface of this county is generally rolling. 'The lands vary 
in appearance and in the merit of their soils. The gray lands have 
the predominancy in the county, and vary with the different locali- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. l6l 



ties. On the Coosa River, above Wetumpka, there are found 
narrow basins of good land, but out from these bottoms there are 
formed level plains which are generally covered with a sandy soil. 
On the side of the Coosa River, opposite the town of Wetumpka, 
there is an extended level plain which stretches away to the 
boundary of Autauga county. The character of the land belong- 
ing to this level stretch of country is a sandy surface with a stiff 
clay subsoil. This gives to the wagon-ways a perpetual firmness 
and renders hauling easy. Following along the Tallapoosa one 
finds a girt of superior lands which are excellent for the production 
of cotton and corn. Perhaps the best lands are found in the fork 
of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers. These alluvial bottoms have 
been steadily planted for many years, and have yielded unceasing- 
ly heavy crops of cotton. The planters prize these river lands 
because of their capacity to produce the snowy staple more than 
any others in the county. 

The lands that lie above those just alluded to, and which are 
above the point of the annual overflow of the rivers, are also superb 
cotton lands, and are regarded the safest lor the production of that 
staple. Of course, it must not be understood that the production of 
cotton is confined to these lands. In different parts of the county are 
brown loam and slaty soils, which yield splendid crops. 

The productions of the county which may be mentioned as staple 
are cotton, corn, wheat, oats, rice peas, millet and sugar-cane. 

Elmore has many magnificent pine forests. In consequence of 
of these, a fine lumber and timber business long ago sprang up. 
Along its numerous stream.s of extensive water-power are found 
many large and flourishing mills. These vast domains of pine 
cover the great level tract of country stretching westward from 
Wetumpka to the utmost western boundary of the county. Very 
little shrubbery is here found, but there is a great variety of flow- 
ers, and many of them are found in plots or patches of great beauty. 

Fruits, domestic and wild, grow with great readiness in Elmore, 
and in most sections do remarkably well. They always thrive 
when planted upon sand-covered land, as beneath there is almost 
the universal prevalence of a clay subsoil. Pears, apples, figs, 
grapes, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, and others do quite 
well. The prevailing timbers are oak, pine, hickory, beech, wal- 
nut, magnolia, dogwood, gum, and persimmon. Yellow ochre is 
the only mineral thus far discovered. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



At Tallassee, on the Tallapoosa River, is the Tallassee Cotton 
Factory, which was, for many years, the largest mill of that 
character in the South. The falls in the river at this point fiwrnish 
immense water-power, which is only slightly utilized. This is but 
one of the numerous sites favorable to the location of manufacto- 
ries in the county. Splendid streams of water ramify the county 
in all directions. Among these are the Coosa and Tallapoosa 
Rivers, Shoal, Wewoka, Mill, Safkahatchee, Hatchee Chubbee, 
Corn, and Wallahatchee Creeks. These lesser streams find out- 
lets through either the Coojsa or Tallapoosa Rivers. 

The points of interest in the county are, VVetumpka, the county- 
seat, with a population of l,ooo ; and Tallassee, with about i,6oo ; 
and Robinson Springs. Wetumpka has long been noted as the 
location of the State penitentiary. Tallassee is famous as a manu- 
facturing center, and Robinson Springs, in former years, was a 
noted local resort for the e/zte of Montgomery. It is extremely- 
healthful, and the brace of its clime and its refreshing waters of 
freestone made it a place of great attraction. 

The educational advantages of the county are good, as are also 
facilities- for the enjoyment of religious worship. The means of 
transportation are convenient. The Louisville and Nashville Rail- 
road runs through the county, a branch of which terminates in 
Wetumka, while in the eastern end the Western Railroad is suffi- 
ciently near to be quite accessible. The Coosa River furnishes 
another cheap means of transportation to Montgomery and Selma 
upon the Alabama River, and the cities upon the Southern coast. 

Lands may be had from ;^i.50 to ^15 per acre in the county. 
The government owns 5,000 acres of land subject to entry. 



BULLOCK COUNTY. 

Established in 1866, the county took its name from Colonel 
E. C. Bullock, of Eufaula. It is located in a region which enables 
it to command all the conditions favorable to prosperity. 

Its area comprises 660 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 24,474; population in 1880, 29,066. White, 
6,944; colored, 22,122. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



163 



Tilled La7id — 176,860 acres. Area planted in cotton, 80,470 
acres; in corn, 47,441 ; in oats, 6,17? acres; in wheat, 11 1 acres; 
in rye, 88 acres ; in sugar cane, 429 acres ; in rice, 16 acres ; in 
sweet potatoes, 773 acres. 

Cotimi Production — 22,578 bales. 

Directly through the center of Bullock, from east to west, 
extends a noted range of low hills, which are called Chunnenuggee 
Ridge. 

This forms the water-shed tor the Tallapoosa River on the north, 
and the streams that flow into the Gulf on the south. On the 
north, this low range of hills has an abrupt descent into the prairie 
lands, which extend to the utmost limit of the county in that 
direction. On the south, the hills slope gradually away and loose 
themselves into plains. Bullock has a variety of. soils, principal 
among which are the dark prairie lands, sandy hammocks, gray 
land, and the white chalky soils. In the northern end of the 
county are to be seen the black lime lands and the post-oak 
prairies. Together, they constitute a fertile belt, which stretches 
across the county, having a width varying from five to ten miles. 
In the southern portion of the county, or that part which lies 
south of Chunnenuggee Ridge, there is a variety of soils, com- 
prising the loam lands, the growth of which are short-leaf pine, 
oak and hickory, then again loam soils, with black-jack, as a pre- 
vailing growth, and still again, the thinner or pine lands. The 
last named soils cover about one-half of the southern territory, 
the other two the remainder. 

The county produces cotton, corn, oats, rye, and sweet pota- 
toes as its staples. 

The section has long been noted for its capacity to produce cot- 
ton especially, and vast quantities of it are raised. But it is as 
well suited to the production of corn. The small grains are receiv- 
ing more attention of late years. But fully one-half of the tillable 
soils are devoted to cotton. 

The forests support an abundance of such growth as pine, red, 
post and white oak, together with elm, poplar, gum, ash, hickory, 
walnut, chestnut, magnolia, Cottonwood, maple and dogwood. 

The county is well watered, thoughout, being drained by such 
streams as Oakfuskee, Capiahatchee, Calibee, Cowikee, Old Town, 
and Buckhorn Creeks. Artesian wells abound. The headwaters 



164 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



of Conecuh River are in this county. These streams generally 
abound in excellent fish. 

Union Springs, the county-seat, and a thriving town of 2,200 
inhabitants, Midway, and Enon, are points of importance 

Union Springs is situated on the Georgia Central Railroad, just 
midway between the cities of Montgomery and Eutaula. It is at 
the intersection of the Georgia Central and the Mobile & Girard 
Railroads. Through these channels of commerce, easy access is 
had with the cities of Montgomery, Eufaula, Columbus and Troy. 
It possesses superior school and church advantages, and has as 
excellent hotels as any point of the same size in the South. Sur- 
rounded by a superior agricultural region, it is a good cotton 
market • The other points named have ako good churches and 
schools, as has every point in the county which has sufficient 
population. 

The county is highly favored with railway transportation, being 
penetrated by two railroads, viz : The Montgomery & Eufaula, or 
the Georgia Central, and the Mobile & Girard Railroad. 

Like most of the other counties in the great agricultural region 
of the State, no attention has heretofore been called to the capa- 
bilities of the soils, the healthfulness, and other numerous advant- 
ages which are possessed by Bullock county. 

Lands, fertile as they are, and productive of crops in rapid rota- 
tion, are purchasable at amazingly low figures in the county. 
They may be bought for from ^^2.50 to ;^io per acre. 

The people are highly favorable to such immigrants as would 
enhance the thrift of the county. 

There are in Bullock, only 480 acres of government land, 
which may be settled by those who desire its occupation under 
the entry act. 



♦ 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



165 



MACON COUNTY. . ^ 

The above-named county was lormed in 1832^ and named for 
Nathaniel Macon, Esq., of North CaroHna. The county has long 
been noted for the intelHgence and thrift of its inhabitants. Prior 
to the war its centers of interest were abodes of wealth, intelli- 
gence, and refinement. The county has been gradually rallying 
from the prostrating influences of the war, and is now assuming its 
wonted place among the best counties of the State Its social and 
material advantages are vast, and, when combined, they furnish 
the county elements of advancement inferior to none of the agri- 
cultural counties of the great Cotton Belt. The area of Macon 
county embraces 630 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 17,727 ; population in 1880, 17,371. 
White, 4, 587; colored, 12,784. 

Tilled Land — 133,924 acres. Area planted in cotton, 56,763 
acres; in corn, 23, 833 acres ; in oats, 6, 195 acres ; in wheat, 1,916 
acres ; in rye, 45 acres ; in sugar cane, 140 acres ; in sweet pota- 
toes, 928 acres. 

Cotton Production — 14,580 bales. 

The general surface of the county is undulating, except in the 
northwest, which is inclined to hills ; but there are no elevations 
of any note within the territory of Macon. The lands, as a rule, 
lie quite well for drainage and cultivation. In the northern, north- 
eastern, and northwestern portions of the county the soil is of a 
light, ^ sandy character. Skirting the water courses, it is much 
more fertile and productive. In the southern, southeastern, and 
southwestern parts of the county the soils are very , fine, being a 
rich loam with clay, lime, or sand predominating according to the 
locality. Usually speaking, the bottoms of the county are very 
fertile. While Chewacla creek, for the most part, winds its way 
through renions of pine, there are to be found bordering it lands 
of a blueish hue which are very productive. Perhaps the richest 
lands lie along Big Swamp creek. Thus it will be seen that a 
diversity of soils prevails throughout the entire county, and these 
give rise to a diversity of crops. Chief among the products of the 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



farm are cotton, corn, potatoes, peas, wheat, oats, rye, millet^ 
rice, sugar cane, and peanuts. 

A favorable year witnesses a production of all these, and in pro- 
fusion. Wild grasses and clovers grow spontaneously in the waste 
places and upon lands that have been turned out 

There is very little trouble, therefore, to maintain stock which, 
running at large, is found to remain in excellent condition during 
almost the entire year. Domestic grasses have as yet received but 
little attention. Swamp cane grows in rank profusion along the 
water courses, and sometimes serves to sustain stock during an 
entire winter. Fruits are easily grown in the soils of Macon — 
apples, pears, peaches, grapes, cherries, walnuts, plums, figs, 
quinces, pomgranates, raspberries, strawberries, and melons yield 
readily in proportion to the attention bestowed upon them. Many 
wild fruits are found in the old fields and along the edge of swamps 
and through the forests. These include blackberries, strawber- 
ries, dewberries, muscadines, chestnuts, etc. 

Through the swamps the towering oaks yield a vast abundance 
of mast, which serve to fatten the hogs during the fall and winter 
without the owners being subjected to the slightest expense. The 
county is watered by the Ufoupee, Chewacla, Calabee, Big 
Swamp, Cupiahatchee, and Oakfuskee Creeks. The Tallapoosa 
Rivpr sweeps through the northwestern corner. Many smaller 
streams exist, furnishing an abundant water supply to all parts of 
the county. The water from the springs and wells is pure and 
delightful* 

The timbers are, oak, hickory, pine, poplar, beech, red elm^ 
gum, magnolia, and maple. The forests are frequently drawn 
upon for the manufactories. 

In the northern end of the county are vast quarries of excellent 
granite. It has been pronounced the finest quality. These quar- 
ries have been partiall)^ developed, and a track of three miles 
graded from Notasulga, on the Western Railroad, to the granite 
beds. Red ochre of good quality has been discovered on Red 
Creek. This is attracting considerable attention because of its 
abundance and quality. Near Cowles Station, on the Western 
Railroad, the soil is admirably adapted to the production of fruit. 
A peach farm of twenty-five thousand trees has just been planted. 

There are two railroads which furnish transportation for the pro- 
ducts of the county, viz : The Western Railroad, and the Tuske- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



167 



gee Narrow Guage. These serve to place the county into easy 
connection with the great lines which converge both at Montgom- 
ery and Atlanta. The towns of importance are, Tuskegee, the 
county seat, with a population of 1,500, Notasulga, and La Place. 

Tuskegee has long been famous as an educational seat. Here 
is located the Alabama Conference Female College, which is an 
institution of great merit, and the Alabama High School for boys 
and young men. At the other places named, are good schools, 
and indeed in every part of the county are good common schools. 
Churches exist in towns and country alike, affording facilities for 
religious worship. 

The moral tone of the society in Macon county is excellent. 

Persons wishing to locate in this favorable region, may purchase 
lands at nominal figures. In some portions, lands may be had at 
per acre, while the best may be purchased for ;^io per acre. A 
cordial greeting will be given settlers who desire to locate their 
homes in this county. Great natural advantages are offered, which 
•are coupled with the social benefits already enumerated. Under 
well directed energy, comfort, ease, and bounty may be secured 
upon the lands of Macon county. The county is without govern- 
ment land. 



RUSSELL COUNTY. 

The county which bears the name above given was established 
in 1832, and named for Colonel Gilbert C. Russell, of Mobile. 
This is one of the border counties of the State, being separated 
from Georgia by the Chattahoochee River. It has many valuable 
tracts of land and a thrifty population. 
The county embraces an area of 670 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 21,636; population in 1880, 24,837. White, 
6,182; colored, 18,65s. 

Tilled Land — 134,320 acres. Area planted in cotton, 81,582 
acres; in corn, 34,335 acres; in oats, 9, 789 acres; in wheat, 1,099 
acres; in rice, 65 acres; in sugar-cane, 196 acres; in sweet pota- 
toes, 1,093 acres. 

Cotton Production — 19.442 bales. 

The general surface of Russell county is undulating, and in some- 
sections broken. It abounds in capital agricultural lands, many of 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



which have been in cultivation for quite a number of years. Its 
soils differ widely in their character, but are generally quite pro- 
ductive. 

Beginning our survey with the lands in the eastern part of the 
county, and those which lie along the western bank of the historic 
Chattahoochee, we find them to be excellent for farming purposes, 
the loamy soil having the color of chocolate. These embrace a belt 
five or six miles in width, when the more elevated table-lands begin. 
These are covered with a red loam soil, and are considered even more 
valuable than those which lie in close proximity to the river. Beyond 
this, still westward, are the hill regions, which have long sustained a 
reputation for productiveness. Next this comes a range of gravelly 
hills, which penetrate the county near the center. From this point 
to the extreme western boundary there is quite a* diversity of soil, 
produced largely by the numerous streams which ramify this portion 
of Russell. In this western half may be found rich alluvial bottoms, 
as well as thin, sandy, ridge lands. These lands are peculiarly 
adapted to the production of corn, cotton, oats, potatoes and sugar- 
cane. The bottom lands are usually preferred for cotton. The lands 
are generally tilled with ease. Every variety of soil may be found in 
the county, from that of sand to that of the most fertile black prairie 
and blue marl. The county is highly favored in its dense forests of 
excellent timber. Both the short-leat and 3/ellow or long-leaf pine, 
the white, red, water and blackjack oaks, hickory, gum, beech, dog- 
wood, willow, maple, walnut, cypress and cedar timbers, prevail in 
different sections of Russell. The county has ample supplies of 
water throughout the entire year. The Chattahoochee River forms 
the entire eastern boundary of the county, giving a river front of 
more than fifty miles, while its territory is watered by such streams 
as Hatchechubbee, Big and Little Uchee, North and Middle Forks 
of Cowikee and Wetumpka Creeks. These bold streams are fed 
by numerous tributaries that drain every section of the county. 
The springs and wells afford abundant supplies of superior water 
for domestic uses. These water supplies, taken in connection with 
the readiness with which grass and clover are produced, suggest 
the ease with which stock may be raised. This will no doubt 
become, in the years of the future, one of the leading industries 
of Russell. 

The chief towns are Seale, the county-seat, with a population of 
600, Girard, Hurtsboro, Glennville, and Hatchechubbee. Flour- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



■69 



ishing schools exist in all these, as well as in every hamlet and 
village in the county. Glennville has long been noted for its edu- 
cational spirit. 

The Mobile & Girard Railroad and the packets upon the Chatta- 
hoochee furnish transportation facilities to the people of the county. 
Columbus, Georgia, a large and flourishing city, on the opposite 
bank of the river to Russell, affords a fine market to the inhabi- 
tants of the county. 

The people of Russell are alive to the importance of developing 
the wealth of their highly-favored county, and they look for that 
development to come mainly from the industry and energy of those 
who will come in and occupy their valuable lands. These can be 
purchased at prices ranging from 1^1.50 to ;^io per acre. 

The government lands have been exhausted in the county. 



BARBOUR COUNTY. 

The county of Barbour was formed in 1832 and named for Gov- 
ernor James Barbour, of Virginia. It has long been one of the 
leading counties of the State. It has been noted, not only for the 
thrift and prosperity of its citizens, but for their refinement and 
intelligence, as well The county has furnished a number of the 
most distinguished men of the State. No other county leads Bar- 
bour in its progress in agriculture and the manufactures. It has 
an area of 860 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 29,309; population in 1880, 33,979. White, 
13,091 ; colored, 20,888. 

Tilled Land — 197,455 acres. Area planted in cotton, ioo,z)42 
acres; in corn, 61,822 acres; in oats, 10,264 acres; in wheat, 
131 acres; in rye, 112 acres; in rice, 35 acres; in tobacco, 22 
acres; in sugar-cane, 647 acres; in sweet potatoes, 1,274 acres. 

Cotton Production — 26,063 bales. 

It will be seen by these figures that Barbour is emphatically an 
agricultural county. For the pursuit of agriculture, it is most 
admirably fitted by Nature. It has generally a slightly undulat- 
ing surface, with hills along the northern end. The lower por- 
tions of the county are generally level. Barbour creek, a large 
.stream which flows nearly through the heart the of county, in a 



I70 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



southeasterly direction, diWdes it into two sections. North of this 
stream are the most fertile lands. Amid the Cowikees (a name 
given a group of streams in that section) we find a portion of the 
famous Black Belt. Here have been for many years, and still are, 
the extensive plantations which Jiave given Barbour such a repu- 
tation abroad as a superb farming section. Almost without excep- 
tion, the lands in this region possess superior fertility. A large 
proportion of the colored population is found in this region, 
whither they have located as the tillers of the soil. They live 
directly upon the these productive lands, while the white settle 
ments are upon the knolls and more elevated portions. For social 
refinement and elevation, this part of the county can not be sur- 
passed. The prolific lands of this region have an admixture of 
lime, and away from the streams are reddish or light colored. 
Those bordering the several forks or creeks which water this sec- 
tion are much more sandy, but highly productive. 

Looking southward from Barbour creek, the lands are freer 
from hills and much more sandy than those lying beyond the 
stream and in the north, in this part of the county (the southern) 
the surface sand has a deep clay subsoil, and is susceptible of a 
high degree of fertilization. It is described as being highly favor- 
able to small model farms, as different crops can be rapidly planted 
and gathered in rotation. 

A high ridge follows the windings of Pea River, which is not 
so fertile as the neighboring regions, but which is thickly tim- 
bered with valuable oak, hickory, and walnut. 

The productions of Barbour county are cotton, corn, oats, peas, 
millet, sorghum, potatoes (sweet and Irish), and sugar-cane. The 
last-named product is so easy of cultivation, and under favorable 
circumstances is so productive, that it is annually assuming greater 
importance. 

All the vegetables grown in the Temperate Zone flourish here 
without limit. 

Fruits are easily raised and are winning more attention year by 
year. Pears, peaches, plums, grapes, figs and melons of every 
variety are the fruits which are generally grown. Near the city 
of Eufaula is located a farm which annually grows large quantities 
of seeds for Northern seed houses. This can be made quite a lucra- 
tive business. On the same farm are now growing 2, 500 LeConte 
pear trees. This fruit grows to perfection in this soil and climate. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



171 



Grasses and clovers grow beautifully in the county, both in their 
native wildness and when cultivated. These, together with the 
wild cane, which grows along the streams, keep the stock roam- 
ng at large, in excellent condition almost throughout the year. 

The woods of the county are mainly stocked with such timbers 
as oak, hickory, poplar, long-leaf pine, walnut and persimmon. 

The county is drained in the north by the several forks of Cow- 
ikee Creek, along the eastern slopes by the Chattahoochee, the 
central and southern parts by the headwaters of the Choctaw- 
hatchee River and the western part by Pea River. This affords 
an idea of the superior watering facilities of the county. 

From the hills in the southwest have, been gathered specimens 
of iron ore. Lime rocks prevail in abundance in different portions 
of Barbour, while specimens of kaolin have been secured. In the 
town of Louisville is a bed of green marl about twelve or eighteen 
feet below the surface and in vast quantities. Repeated experi- 
ments by gardners prove its value. 

In the southern portion of the county four miles above the line 
of Dale is a great natural curiosity in the form of a magnificent 
spring, the dimensions of which are 40x80 feet. Its waters are of 
a bluish cast and so transparent that the light glows through them. 
The eye of a fish is distinctly seen in their shining depths. This 
was once a point of popular resort, but since the destruction of 
the spacious hotel it has been abandoned as such. The waters of 
this wonderful spring are supposed to possess wonderful curative 
powers. There issues directly from it a large, bold stream. 

Eufaula, a city of 6,000 inhabitants, Clayton, the county-seat 
and a point of interest, having quite an educational spirit, and 
Louisville, with a population of several hundred, and Batesville 
are the important centers of the county. Among these Louisville 
may be mentioned as one of the oldest towns in this section of 
Alabama, and has long been noted as possessing a thrifty and in- 
telligent population. Eufaula is one of the principal cities of the 
State. By reason of its location as a commercial center, it has 
long been regarded a point of great importance. This estimate of 
the city is further enhance :1 by the projected railway from this 
point to Florida. It crowns a lofty bluff on the western bank of 
the Chattahoochee River, 180 feet high, overlooking that stream 
for many miles, in both directions, and commanding a view of 
beautiful landscapes for a great distance beyond. It is noted for 



172 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



its health, superior society, enterprising business men, schools and 
churches. Its compresses, machine shops, factories, foundries, 
flouring and corn mills, weaving mill, and presses attest its import- 
ance as an enterprising center. It has good hotels and many 
handsome private residences. Its church architecture will com- 
pare favorably with that of any city in the South. It has a female 
college and superior male schools. 

Arrangements have been consummated for the erection of a 
^100,000 cotton factory at Eufaula. 

Claton, the county-seat of Barbour county, is 21 miles west of 
the Chattahoochee River, and is on the line of the Eufaula & East 
Alabama Railroad. It has a population of about 1,200, and is a 
place of considerable commercial importance, receiving about 
12,000 bales of cotton per annum ; it has a bank of ;$50,ooo capi- 
tal, and there is novv^ in process of erection a guano factory, with 
a capital of ^50,000. Clayton is surrounded by a large territory 
of the best farming lands in the famous "Cotton Belt," and these 
lands being cultivated by industrious, intelligent and enterprising 
white people, gives the town a large retail trade. 

Here are as good schools as can be found in any town in the 
State. F'our churches for the whites and two for the blacks, each 
attended by good congregations. The population of this town is 
intelligent, industrious, and possess the hospitality characteristic 
of Southern people. 

Educational advantages are found in every portion of the county. 
Churches exist also in every section. 

Transportation is secured through the Montgomery & Eufaula 
Railroad, the Eufaula & Clayton Railroad, and the Chattahoochee 
River. 

Lands may be had, by those wishing to settle in Barbour at 
prices ranging from ^2,50 to I20 per acre. No people would hail 
more readily the influx of a thrifty, industrious population than 
those of Barbour county, 

There are 5,520 acres of government land still untaken in the 
county. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS, 



THE TIMBER BELT. 

The Timber Belt of Alabama lies directly south of the great 
Cotton, or Black Belt, and north of the Gulf of Mexico. The 
name of the region is suggested by its superb timber, but, as has 
been said of the other grand divisions of the State, this is not the 
only characteristic attaching to this great section. Indeed, there 
are splendid forests in every section of Alabama. There is not a 
county in the State but has an abundance of wood for all practical 
purposes if it, is saved from wanton destruction, while the vast 
majority of the counties have timbers in great quantities and varie- 
ties. Even in the sections which are richest in mineral ores there 
are not unfrequently to be met extensive forests of as valuable tim- 
ber as can be found on the continent. The same is true of the 
agricultural sections of Alabama. These fertile lands, where they 
remain uncleared, are stocked with timber of great value. 

The reference to the extent of these forests will be more appre- 
ciated when it Is learned that more than one-third of the State is 
covered with forests "bf timber. These embrace 20,630,963 acres. 
The South is the most heavily wooded section of the civilized 
world, unless it be the uncleared portions of Canada. The wood- 
lands of this latitude have attracted more attention and allured 
more capital than any other one element of the native wealth of 
the South. In both the Expositions held in New Orleans the 
South led all the other sections of the Union in her exhibitions of 
timber. And when we remember that there was a liberal outlay 
of public funds in many of the States of a higher latitude with 
which to exhibit their resources, and recall the fact that but few of 
the states of the South made any appropriation for this purpose, 
we gain a clearer view of the richness of wealth embraced in our 
vast woodland regions. 

Northern and European capitalists show their appreciation of 
the value of our wooded lands by their purchase of them. The 
manufactories of Cincinnati and other Western cities, now that 
they have exhausted the timbers needed by themselves in their 
own section, are turning their attention to the forests of the 
South. 



174 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The extensive region known as the Timber Belt of Alabama, 
embraces the fifteen counties which lie in the southern end of 
the State, viz: Washington, Mobile, Baldwin, Clarke, Monroe, 
Escambia, Conecuh, Butler, Covington, Crenshaw, Pike, Coffee, 
Geneva, Dale and Henry. It presents great uniformity of char- 
acter in its surface conformation, in its soils, and in its vege- 
tation. The surface is generally undulating, with occasional hills 
breaking off into the fertile bottoms which lie along the numerous 
water-courses. There is the frequent occurrence, however, of 
level plateaus or table lands, which cover immense areas. The 
surface soil of this region is generally of a sandy nature. In 
the bottoms and in the lands which lie adjacently the soils are 
quite fertile, and yield largely of all the products of this latitude. 
But for the thinner soils nature has provisions ready at hand 
with which to enrich them. Nutritive manures are easily made 
from the abounding pine straw and the excrements of the herds 
of stock, which are easily sustained from one end of the year 
to the other by the native grasses and clovers and the wild 
cane which grows along the streams. This section of Alabama 
was one vast pasture land when it was the home of the Indian. 
The prevailing fires, which are suffered at certain seasons to 
break out, have proved injurious to the he^-rts and roots of the 
grasses and herbs of the forests, and have impaired them in 
some sections. This region has many advantages, and is sus- 
ceptible of great results under an improved system of agricul- 
ture. 

Besides its great wealth of forest and its easy adaptibility to 
stock-raising, its soils are capable of producing excellent crops. 
In addition still may be mentioned the fact that it is the best 
watered section of Alabama, and its clear, brisk streams furnish 
fine watrr-power for manufacturing purposes. 

But the peculiar glory of this section is its immense forests, 
which cover uninterruptedly hundreds of thousands of acres. In 
these extensive forests the yellow or long-leaf pine may be indi- 
cated as being most prevalent of all the woods. The grand forests 
of this timber sweep down the Atlantic and along the Gulf coast 
from North Carolina to Texas. 

The width of this section as it relates to Alabama and extends 
entirely across the State from east to west is about 1150 miles. In 
most of the counties already named as constituting the Timber 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



^75 



Belt, the pine forests remain as they did when the red men held 
sway. In some counties they have not been the least invaded in 
districts embracing many thousands of acres. Practically speak- 
ing, the great pine forests of Alabama are untouched. And great 
as are the other resources of Alabama — mineral and agricultnral — 
they find a peer in the great timber wealth of Alabama forests 
These trees, many of them grow to a considerable height, attain- 
ing sometimes that of 150 feet. Magnificent spars are hewn from 
our forets, oftentimes seventy-five feet long, and shipped to the 
distant markets of the globe. But this is not the only use to 
which the pine is devoted. The rosin, which is extracted from 
the trees, when refined and converted into turpentine, becomes 
an indispensable adjunct to the arts, and is a great factor of com- 
merce. 

In this region, as elsewhere, the devout student sees the strik- 
ing evidences of Divine wisdom in the wonderful adjustment of 
means to ends. The streams flowing down from the hills of the 
north grow broader and deeper as they approach the seas upon 
the south. Making their way through these boundless forests, 
and usually flowing between low embankments, they seem designed 
as great channels to convey these timbers to ports of the sea. For 
many years they have been so employed by lumbermen, and in 
many instances have resulted in the speedy enrichment even of 
humble hewers ot wood. 

But the yellow or long-leaf pine forests are largely interspersed 
with different varieties of oak, and in the swamps, which usually 
prevail along the streams, there are hundreds of thousands of acres 
of superb oak timber. These immense districts of oak have scarcely 
been touched, because of the absence of manufactories in this sec- 
tion caUing for the consumption or such timber. 

Along the lower streams, such as the Alabama and Tombigbee, 
timbers are sometimes hewn upon a limited scale, and floated to 
such points as Mobile, for the manufacture of hoops and staves. 
These forests of oak are destined to play a conspicuous part in 
the future development of the wealth of this State. 

Another important wood which prevails is the cypress. This 
is found in the extreme lower section of the great Timber Belt. 
There are cypress mills along the coast, notably in Mobile and at 
Stockton, on the Tensas River. 

Hickory is also an important factor, and in this latitude attains 



176 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



to great size. And so there is the beech, the magnolia, the cedar, 
the maple, the dogwood, the ironwood, the juniper, the ash, 
the walnut, the holly, the Cottonwood, the poplar, and the sweet 
gum. 

Not until of late years has the last-named product been appre- 
ciated in the manufactories. The rapid disappearance of walnut, 
as an article of manufacture, has driven cabinet makers to search 
for a substitute. This, they have discovered largely in the sweet 
gum of the great timber regions of the South. The tree grows 
large, tall, and straight, and whew subjected to the finish of the 
tool, it yields a bright glazed surface, beneath which a dark, firm, 
and durable texture. The Chicago Lumbe?nian states that, not- 
withstanding the original opposition to gum, it is making rapid 
headway in that great metropolis. It is largely used in furnishing 
the rooms of some of the handsomest residences in that city. 
The demand for gum is on the increase, both in Northern and 
Southern manufactories. 

Along the swamps, and along the coasts of the southern extrem- 
ity of this great Belt, there are vast quantities of swamp moss 
trailing from the trees. It is quite abundant, and is easily gath- 
ered. For many years it was unnoticed, except as an object of 
curiosity, giving a sombre complexion to our vast forests of 
swamp ; but it is now being gathered and converted into mattres- 
ses. Hundreds of laborers are engaged in this work, and yet 
other hundreds will engage when its commercial value shall have 
been realized. 

As an abode of health, the pine sections of Alabama can not 
be surpassed. Beneath the surface of sand is a fine red clay sup- 
soil, into which wells are easily dug, which yield as pure freestone 
water as can be found. This, together with the aroma imparted 
from the resinous pine, furnishes one the surest means of health. 
Far into the interior the breezes from the Gulf find their way and 
tone the s\iltriness of our summers. This is quite perceptible to 
the residents of the interior, even as remotely as seventy-five miles 
from the Gulf coast. 

The soils of the Timber Belt are peculiarly adapted to the root 
crops, fruits and vegetables. Sugar-cane, potatoes, yams, melons, 
peaches, pears, apricots, grapes, berries of every possible sort, 
pecans, pomegranates, apples, figs and oranges, all thrive, and 
invariably yield in proportion to the attention which is given them. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



177 



There are many wild fruits of great value, which grow abundantly. 
Among these, may be named walnuts, hickory-nuts, blue and 
blackberries, dewberries, grapes and muscadines. 

Thousands of bushels of these wild fruits grow every season in 
these forests. Blackberries and dewberries are the most valuable, 
abundant, and delicious of the fruits which grow wild. The abund- 
ance of these fruits at once suggests the ease and cheapness with 
which they could be canned, and easily converted into a commod- 
ity for the market. 

And then the inexhaustible abundance of grasses and clovers'^- 
both wild and domestic, and the never failing streams of pure 
water, at once recommend this section as one wonderfully suited 
to stock raising. Ever since the early settlement of Alabama, 
these grassy forests have been used to a limited extent for stock- 
raising, but our people were so peculiarly agricultural, that it has 
not, until within recent years, excited any attention. 

Grasses thrive almost the year round. The numerous streams 
which traverse this great region, are lined with broad margins of 
swamp cane, which remains perpetually green and tender. It is 
quite a nutritious forage. It is greatly relished by all kinds of 
stock. No section of the South affords greater inducements to the 
stock raiser than the Timber Belt of Alabama. His stock could 
. be sustained almost exclusively by the spontaneous growth of the 
fields and forests. 

Wool-growing has received but slight attention, and yet has^ 
never failed to be greatly remunerative to the shepherd when, 
attempted. 

In reference to the capabilities of the soils of the Timber Belt,^ 
no reference was had to its productiveness of the staple growths of 
our Southern climate. Some of the finest plantation^ of corn and 
cotton found in Alabama, are seen within the territory of the Tim- 
ber Belt. 

f^long the streams, as has already been said, the lands are very 
fertile, and here cotton and corn attain to as great perfection as 
elsewhere in the State. But experiments within the last fifteen 
years have demonstrated the fact that with proper fertilization and 
cultivation, the uplands in the pine districts of this Belt can be 
forced to yield amazingly. 

Under the system of intensive farming, the yield in some instances 
has been simply wonderful, and has served to sugg'est the possibility 



178 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



that these lands, so long neglected, if not spurned by the planter, 
may become among the most productive soils of our great Com- 
monwealth. 

These facts will be more clearly demonstrated as we shall read 
of the capabilities of the counties comprising this Belt, and to 
, which our attention will now be given more in detail. 



WASHINGTON COUNTY. 

Washington is the oldest county in the State, having been 
created by Governor Sargent in 1800. It was named for the first 
President of the United States. Considerable historic interest 
-attaches to the county. It has the honor of having within its 
•limits the first capital of Alabama — St. Stephens. It was in this 
•county that Aaron Burr was arrested, in 1807. It is alike noted 
for the quiet tone of its people, its forests of timber, its health, 
and its healing springs. 

Area of the county, i,oi;o square miles. 

Population in 1870, 3,912; population in 1880, 4,538. White, 
2,807 ; colored, 1,731. 

Tilled Land — 8,936 acres. Area planted in cotton, 3,280 ' 
acres; in corn, 4,259 acres; in oats, 464 acres; in rice, 67 acres; 
in sugar cane, 90 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 448 acres. 

Cotton Production — 1,246 bales. 

The general surface of Washington county may be described as 
rolling. In the northern part there is black prairie soil and lime 
hills. This stiff, black soil, though difficult to cultivate, is very 
fertile. It is a belt varying in width from two to ten miles. The 
central and southern portions are covered with pine lands, which 
are usually sandy, and are easily tilled. Most of these lands lie 
well, and are susceptible of a high degree of fertilization. When 
thus aided, the lands become very generous in their production, 
and the crops grow off rapidly, enabling the planter to cultivate 
several crops between the disappearance of frost in March and its 
reappearance in November. In the northern portion very fine 
cotton and corn are produced, the plants rivaling in size those 
which flourish upon the fertile canebrakes of the Cotton Belt In 
the other parts of the county great quantities of cotton, corn, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



179 



sngar-cane, potatoes, rice, oats and tobacco are produced. In 
addition to these there are raised, for home consumption, peas 
and peanuts in abundance. The people are made thrifty, inde- 
pendent, and happy by the ready and abundant resources of their 
soils. Perennial pastures abound and stock is easily sustained. 

The territory of the county is traversed by a number of excel- 
lent and perpetual streams, chief among which are the Tombigbee 
River, which forms its eastern boundary, and Sinta Bogue, Bas- 
sett's, Poll Bayou, Bate's, Bilboa's, Johnson's, Beaver, and Pine 
Barren Creeks. Escatawpa River rises in the western part and 
flows through that portion. 

Wells and springs of the purest freestone water are exuberant 
m their supplies in every portion of Washington. Many mineral 
springs are also found, which embrace iron, sulphur, magnesia, 
and alum, among other properties. The most noted of these 
springs are Healing and Sullivan Springs. The waters of the last 
named springs are very valuable for many diseases. 

Transportation facilities are furnished by the Mobile & Ohio 
Railroad, which penetrates the western part of the county, and 
the Tombigbee River, which forms its eastern border-line. These 
place the county in easy connection with markets North and South. 

The Mobile & Birmingham Railroad is now completed and is 
quite an addition to the means of transportation to the county. 

Pine, oak, hickory, beech, ash, cedar, cypress, and dogwood 
•are the trees which stock the forests of the county. Many of 
these are of matchless size, and are of great marketable value. 
Great quantities of turpentine are gathered from the pine forests. 

St. Stephens and Escatawpa are the places of interest. A good 
common school system exists in the county. 

Lands may be had for or as high as $S per acre. The inhab- 
itants would be glad to welcome, as accessions to their popula- 
tion, earnest and energetic citizens. 

The county of Washington embraces 80,000 acres of govern- 
ment land awaiting .the occupation of settlers. 



i8o 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



MOBILE COUNTY. 

Mobile was established in 1813, and named for the bay whose 
waters wash its eastern shores. It lies in the extreme southwest 
corner of the State, and is the wealthiest, most populous, and one 
of the largest counties of the Commonwealth. 

Its climate, healthfulness, varied pursuits, and remarkably fine 
location give it some advantages over every other county "in Ala- 
bama. It has an area of 1,290 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 49,311 ; population in 1886, 48,653. White, 
27,187; colored, 21,466. 

Tilled Land — 8,998 acres. Area planted in cotton, one acre 
only returned; in corn, 1,639 acres; in oafs, 139 acres; in rice, 
191 acres; in sugarcane, 151 acres; in sweet potatoes, 776 acres. 

Cotton Production — One bale returned. 

In the northern and western portions of the county there is an 
undulation of surface, while along the coast the lands are flat. As 
will appear from the statistics already furnished, but few of the 
lands of the county are devoted to farming purposes. Other pur- 
suits engross the attention of the people, such as market garden- 
ing, fruit culture, and the fish and oyster trade. In some parts of 
the county stock raising has risen into prominence as an industry, 
and in others the lumber business is largely engaged in. Vast 
turpentine orchards claim attention of still others. 

Mobile county is most liberally endowed by nature with all the 
conditions favorable to market gardening. With a climate remark- 
able for its blandness, a soil precisely adapted to this industry, and 
with easy and rapid transportation to the most distant markets of 
the country. Mobile is the Paradise of the market gardener. This 
industry has been rapidly growing through several years past, and 
is still on the increase. The proceeds accruing from the shipment 
of vegetables amounted to ;^700,ooo. Fully 100,000 acres of 
superb garden lands remain untouched in the county of Mobile. 
These vegetables and fruits include all that are produced in this 
latitude, viz : Cabbage, potatoes (sweet and Irish), beans, peas, 
cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelons, canteloupes, peaches, plums, 
Cuban sugarcane, grapes, etc. ' 



ALABAMA AS IT IS, 



i8i 



. Almost all these are shipped in large cargoes to points as remote 
as New York and Chicago, and furnish the people of these distant 
sections with the luxuries grown beneath the Southern sun, while 
yet their lakes and streams are locked with ice. 

The fish and oyster trade is also immense, the proceeds of 
which amount annually to more than ^^240,000. 

The timbers of the county include the oak, hickory, elm, mag- 
nolia, bay, cypress, sweet and sour gums, and yellow pine. The 
water outlets are furnished by the Mobile River and Bay on the 
one side, and the Escatawpa River on the other. Beautiful streams 
of perpetual flow ramify different portions of the county. 

Mobile, Mt. Vernon, Citronelle, Whistler, and Spring Hill are 
the points of interest. Great attention is given at all these points 
to education and the maintenance of religious worship. 

Means of transportation are superb, being furnished by the 
Louisville & Nashville, Mobile & Ohio Railroads, Mobile River 
and Bay, and a portion of the Gulf. A new line of railroad has 
been partly built from Mobile to Birmingham. Along the line of 
its route it will penetrate the richest mineral domains in the State. 
This will constitute the city of Mobile the natural receptacle and 
■distributing point of the vast mineral stores of Alabama. 

MOBILE. 

Mobile, located at the mouth of Mobile River and upon a beau- 
tiful sheet of water stretching southward, known as the Mobile 
Bay, is the metropolis of A^labama. It is one of the oldest cities 
upon the Southern coast, having been established by Bienville as 
early as 17 11. It is built upon a sandy plateau which is but 
slightly elevated above the surface of the waters of the neighbor- 
ing bay. But the elevation is quite sufficient for natural drainage. 
Mobile is Alabama's only seaport. 

" Circled by waters that never freeze. 
Beaten by billows and swept by breeze." 

Mobile enjoys a favorableness of location second to that of no 
•other city on the continent. It has a population of 32,000, and 
has long been famous as a business mart. 

Many years ago Commodore Maury predicted that the Gulf of 
Mexico would one day be the focus of the world's commerce. 
The march of events seems now to be in that direction. The 
rapid development of the mineral deposits of central Alabama 



l82 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



suggests other methods of transportation than those which are 
afforded simply by the railways, and this is leading to the urgent 
necessity of the removal of all natural obstructions from the 
^numerous water-ways that cut their channels through the coal and 
iron fields and flow to the sea. Mobile is the focus of these 
numerous streams that drain the exhaustless ore fields of middle 
Alabama. It is the natural receiving point of all these vast stores 
that must find their way over rivers and railroads alike to seek an 
outlet to the markets of the globe. 

Acting in conjunction with these agencies of transport will be 
the DeLesseps' Canal, across the Isthmus of Panama, and the 
Eade's Ship Railway across the Isthmus of Tehauntepec. Real- 
izing the prospective importance of Mobile as a natural outlet to 
* remoter parts of the productions of Alabama, whether of fields 
forest or mine, the projectors of railroads are directing their lines 
toward the city as a terminal facility. It is already in connection 
with the two great lines that bind^t to the West, viz: The Louis- 
ville & Nashville and the Mobile & Ohio Railroads. Its great 
advantages are seen in the fact that it is the nearest Gulf port to> 
Birmingham, Tuskaloosa, Chattanooga, Memphis, Nashville^ 
Cairo, St. Louis, Columbus and Kansas City. 

With the removal of the comparatively slight obstruction in the 
mouth of Mobile Bay, the city of Mobile will possess commercial 
advantages superior, perhaps, to those of any other city on the 
Southern coast. Ships drawing over twenty-three feet can enter 
and find safe and capacious anchorage in the lower bay, while 
vessels drawing se\ enteen feet can now come along the channel, 
which is being deepened by the Government, to the wharves of 
the city. It is proposed to deepen this passage way twenty-two 
feet. It is quite evident that Nature has designed Mobile as a 
great commercial center. Its growing trade has largely multi- 
plied its industries, among which may be named its cotton-seed 
oil mill and oil cake manufactories, cotton and woolen goods man- 
ufactories, grist-mills, saw-mills, furniture factory, cigar and 
tobacco manufactories; its cotton mill, its coal, timber, and lum- 
ber business, its bread and cracker, sash and blind, barrel and 
"hogshead, lumber and wood establishments ; foundries, machine 
shops, and tanneries. As a fish and oyster market, as well as a 
fruit market, it can not be excelled. 

Its streets arc generally wide and well laid off and shaded by 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



the native oak and magnolia. It has many palatial residences and 
many buildings of rare beaucy. Its principal hotel, the Battle 
House, long esteemed one of the best in the South, has been 
refitted and affords unusual facilities for comfort. The parks and 
yards and gardens of Mobile abound in flowers of rarest beauty, 
and its groves of orange are spots of surpassing loveliness. 

The educational advantages of Mobile have been proverbially 
excellent for almost a half century. The city takes great pride in 
the maintenance of her famous institution of learning — the Barton 
Academy. The Medical College of Alabama is located here. As 
a point of refuge from the chill and blast of a Northern clime^ 
Mobile is without a rival Generally the winters are exceedingly 
mild and but rarely at all harsh. But it is delightful as a place of 
residence even in midsummer. The cool breezes from the sea 
sweep it continually and fan away the scorching heat of summer 
tide. Dotting the coasts of the Bay, opposite the city, are mag- 
nificent hotels which have become famous as summer resorts. 
Con-^ipicuous among these may be mentioned 

POINT CLEAR, 

which has been properly styled the Long Branch of the South. 
It is the finest resort of the South, combining as it does a mag- 
nificent hotel with all modern improvements, its accessibility to a 
market of meats, fruits, fish and oysters, unexcelled on the con- 
tinent, its refreshing breezes of the sea, and its superb facilities 
for bathing. Leading from the city along the coast of the Bay is 

THE FAMOUS SHELL ROAD, 

Which is seven miles in length. Flanked on the one side by the 
beautiful sheet of water — the Mobile Bay — thronged wilh its busy 
sails of commerce, and on the other by gardens and parks, and 
residences of rare architectural structure, the shell road can not be 
surpassed as a magnificent drive. 

The natural, social, and commercial advantages possessed by 
Mobile indicate it as one of the coming cities of the South. 

Mobile county contains 60,000 acres of land belonging to the 
government. 



1 84 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



BALDWIN COUNTY. 

Baldwin county was created in 1809. has the honor of being 
the largest county in the State, embracing within its limits a larger 
scope of territory than that embraced by the entire State of Rhode 
Island. Its area is 1,620 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 6,004; population 1880, 8603. White, 
4,8go; colored, 3,713. 

Tilled La?id — 7,698 acres. Area planted in cotton, 1,384 acres ; 
in corn, 3,041 acres; in oats, 350 acres; in rice, 121 acres; in 
sugar-cane, 81 acres; in sweet potatoes, 484 acres. 

Cotton Production — 638 bales. 

The northern portion of Baldwin is undulating, the remainder is a 
level surface with a gentle slope to the Gulf of Mexico. In the 
western portion of the county, above Mobile Bay, is a considerable 
tract of marshy country in the delta of the river. 

As will appear from the statistics given, there is an immense 
area of unimproved land yet to be occupied. 

The county may be represented as a vast pine forest, though in 
the western portion, on the Alabama, Mobile, and Tensas Rivers, 
and on the lakes and islands adjacent, there are considerable bodies 
of rich alluvial bottom lands, the greater part of which, however, 
is subject to annual overflow. The soils in these bottoms are 
accumulations of vegetable matter for ages, and could be reclaimed 
by means of levees, canals, and ditches. Were this effected, the 
yield would be simply marvelous. • 

But away from these alluvial flats, and nearly the entire surface 
of the county is covered with a luxuriant growth of long-leaf pine, 
beneath which flourish grasses of perennial green, wliich afford 
abundant pasturage for stock the year round. The soil of these 
pine lands is usually of a light sand with a deep clay subsoil. 

The climate of the county is superb, being surrounded on three 
sides by Mobile and Perdido Bays and the Gulf of Mexico. 

Owing to its unlimited pasturage facilities, the county is well 
adapted to raising cattle and sheep, neither of which need other 
than the herbage cropped through the forests, either summer or 
winter. Stock-raisers are careful to pen their stock once a year and 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



185 



brand them, and but little attention is given them afterward, only 
as they are herded and driven to market. 

Wool-growing is quite a profitable branch ot busines in the 
county. There are several large sheep ranches which contain 
herds of three or four thousand head. The services of only one 
man is needed to protect the flock from the ravages of dogs, wild 
hogs, wild cats, and eagles. 

Along the streams and in the swampy lowlands there are exten- 
sive districts of luxuriant wild cane and green grass, which affords 
fine winter pasturage for stock. Many of the places are entirely 
surrounded by water which obviates the expense -of fencing. 

The lumber and turpentine interests are chief. Vast quantities 
of both pine and cypress lumber are sawn and shipped to distant 
markets. The mills are located upon streams, down which the logs 
are floated, and after being manufactured into lumber, are ready 
for shipment. The turpentine industry gives employment to many 
of the people. 

Market-gardening and orchard culture claim considerable atten- 
tion. Oranges are successfully grown along the southern coast, 
and grapes, figs, plums, and apples do well. The production of 
- these fruits is favored by the deep clay subsoil. 

Game is still found in the great forests of Baldwin. Deer, wild 
cats, foxes, squirrels, and raccoons are found everywhere. Occa- 
sionally a bear is found in the deep swamps and canebrakes along 
the rivers. The streams abound in the most magnificent specimens 
of fresh water fish, while oysters are inexhaustible along the coasts. 

The Mobile, Alabama, Tensas, Fish, and Perdido Rivers, besides 
innumerable lakes and Mobile and Perdido Bays, afford an extensive 
water front and fine commercial facilities. Besides these, the inte- 
rior of the county is penetrated by many clear flowing streams, 
affording exhaustless suppplies of water throughout the year. 

The level face of the lands and their deep clay subsoils favor 
fertilizing, and when thus aided they produce well. 

Montgomery Hill, Montpelier, Stockton, Daphne, the county- 
seat and Bay Minette are points of interest, having good society, 
schools, and churches. Upon the coast are Bon Secour and Point 
Clear, which are delightful resorts for summer. Many of the 
wealthiest families of Mobile and New Orleans resort hither during 
the summer season. 

Lands in Baldwin are remarkably cheap. Where the timber has 



i86 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



been removed they may be purchased at 25 to 50 cents per acre. 
Others may be had for ^i and $5 per acre. 

Many government lands exist, and are subject to entry, there 
being 100,000 acres. 

Men of Hmited means, but of industrious habits, could not find 
a more inviting region for settlement than Baldwin county. 



CLARKE COUNTY. 

This county was created in 18 12. It is historically associated 
with many of the bloody scenes enacted during the prevailing war 
of that time. 

The county is favorably situated, and has many natural advanta- 
ges. It has an area of i, 160 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 14,663 ; population in 1880, 17,808. White^ 
7,718; colored, 10,088. 

Tilled Land — acres. Area planted in cotton, 33,477 
acres; in corn, 28,220 acres; in oats, 5,065 acres; in tobacco, 19 
acres ; in sugar-cane, 200 acres ; in rice, 22 acres ;in sweet potatoes, 
1,256 acres. 

Cotton Production — 11,097 bales. 

The face of the country is diversified with hills and valleys. 
There is a southward slope to the junction of the Alabama and 
Tombigbee Rivers, which unite and form a sharp angle at the 
southern extremity of the county. A peculiarity belonging to the 
general surface, is that the dividing ridge between the Alabama 
and Tombigbee Rivers, runs within ten miles of the former stream 
the entire length of the county. This turns all the main streams 
either to the west or southwest, and thus causes them to traverse 
almost the entire width of Clarke. 

The soil varieties of this county are rather numerous, embracing 
the thin pine lands, sandy basins, alluvial bottoms, upland loams, 
gray, limy, and the shell prairie. Those along the river bottoms, 
upon the uplands, and belonging to the shell prairie sections, are the 
most valuable. The basins which he along the creeks, have too 
great a preponderance of sand to be arable. The lands mostly 
planted in cotton are the second bottoms or hammocks of the two 
rivers, which are oftimes several miles wide. These hammocks 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



187 



are aided very greatly by the washings from the lime hills. In 
several parts of Clarke, are found many attractive farms. The 
productions of the county are, cotton, corn, oats, potatoes, sugar- 
cane, peas, and peanuts. All these flourish quite readily. Such 
fruits as apples, peaches, pears, pomegranates, figs, and grapes, 
are remunerative in response to proper attention. There are 
many wild fruits, such as grapes, muscadines, blackberries, and 
hickory nuts. 

The swamps abound in the largest oaks, which yield annually 
large quantities of acorns, which serve to fatten hundreds of hogs. 

Where lands are thrown out, grasses grow spontaneously almost 
every month in the year, furnishing rich pasturage to stock-rais- 
ing, free. Along the streams are dense thickets of cane, w^hich 
remains green the year through, and supplies cattle and horses 
with food during the winter. 

Clarke abounds in forests ot excellent timber, comprising oak, 
poplar, hickory, beech, bay, cypress, maple, elm, cedar, and pine. 
Vast pine forests prevail in several portions ol Clarke, and the 
trees are sometimics rafted to Mobile, where they find a ready 
market. Some attention is now being bestowed upon the improve- 
ment of stock. In the western part of the county are quite a 
number of salt springs and wells, to which the people of that and 
adjoining counties were forced to resort and manufacture salt dur- 
ing the late war, while the ports of the South were blockaded. 

There is a noted mineral well at Jackson, upon the Tombigbee 
River. The waters have excellent curative properties. The prin- 
cipal streams which supply the different portions of Clarke with 
water,, are the Alabama and Tombigbee Rivers; on the eastern 
and western borders respectively, Bashi, Tallahatta, Satilpa, Jack- 
son's, and Bassett's Creeks. 

At Wood's Bluft, on the Tombigbee River, there is to be seen 
the presence of green sand marl, though its extent is not known. 
Large quantities of gypsum are found in different portions of the 
county. Mineral springs, possessing rare curative powers are 
said to have been lately discovered. 

The points ot importance are Grove Hill, the county-seat, with 
a population of 200, Suggsville, Coffeeville, Gosport, Jackson, 
Bashi, Choctaw Corner, and Gainestown. Schools and churches 
are to be met with in every portion of the county, and at some 
points, educational facilities are of a superior character. 



188 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Transportation is afforded the county by the Alabama and Tom- 
bigbee Rivers, and the Mobile & Birmingham Railroad. The 
creation of this new line has infused life into the county whose 
natural interior advantages only needed an outlet to secure devel- 
opments. This new thoroughfare links together Mobile and Bir- 
mingham, and passes directly through Clarke. The Pensacola & 
Memphis Railroad will also vastly benefit the county. Lands 
may be purchased in the county for figures running from to ;S^5 
per acre. 

There are 50,000 acres of government land in Clarke, which are 
subject to entry. 

The people of Clarke are eager to have their lands peopled by 
a thrifty, energetic population. 



MONROE COUNTY. 

Monroe county was created in 18 15, and named in honor of 
President Monroe, of Virginia. It was one of the first counties 
of the State settled by the whites, and its people have been uni- 
formly thrifty while engaged chiefly in planting. Many of the 
productive lands belonging to the Timber Belt are found in this 
county. Like many others, Monroe has been greatly checked in 
its progress because of the remoteness of transportation from the 
larger part of the population. It has an area of 1,030 square 
miles. 

Populationin 1870, 14,214; population in 1880, 17,091. White, 
7,780; colored, 9,311. 

lilled Land — 77,317 acres. Area planted in cotton, 33,463 
acres; in corn, 24,135 acres; in oats, 4,597 acres; in rice, 78 
acres; in sugarcane, 329 acres; in tobacco, ii acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 920 acres. 

Cotton Production — 10,421 bales. 

In the northern portion of Monroe, the surface is broken ; in the 
central and southern parts it is undulating. The several soils 
belonging to the county are the thin, sandy lands, which charac- 
terize the pine regions in this Belt ; the lime hills, which are 
usually in the neighborhood of the principal streams ; the loamy 
soils, which belong to the uplands, and the alluvial bottoms which 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



border the large creeks and the Alabama River. The bottoms 
are largely influenced by the washings from the limy hills. Not- 
withstanding the broken surface in the northern portion of Mon- 
roe, some of the most prosperous planters are found there. The 
most valuable lands of the county, and those upon which are 
established the thriftiest farms, are in the bottoms of Flat and 
Limestone Creeks and the Alabama River. These are more diffi- 
cult of cultivation, however, than the loamy uplands, because of 
their stiffness. The better class of uplands are very desirable, 
however, and are classed among the safe farming lands. The 
higher pine lands have a sandy surface, with a deep clay subsoil. 
Cotton, corn, oats, peas, potatoes, millet, sorghum, sugarcane, 
and groundpeas are the chief productions. Apples, peaches, pears, 
plums, quinces, pomegranates, raspberries, and grapes are the 
fruits commonly grown. Vast crops of wild fruits are annually 
produced, such as hickorynuts, persimmons, blackberries, dewber- 
ries, and chestnuts. In the swamps which usually follow the large 
streams there are immense quantities of acorns and beech mast^ 
upon which the hogs readily thrive. The timbers are long and 
short leaf pine, the different species of oak, hickory, beech, pop- 
lar, elm, cedar, cypress, maple, and dogwood. Immense domains 
of pine forests abound in different parts of the county. These 
timbers will prove valuable when the county has greater transpor- 
tation facilities. The county is bounteously supplied with water 
by Flat Creek and its several forks. Limestone, Tallatchee, Lovett 
and Randall Creeks, and the Alabama River. Innumerable free- 
stone w^ells and springs are found. Monroe Springs, in the north- 
eastern part of the county, are valuable for their mineral properties, 
chief among which are sulphur and chalybeate. They were once 
a noted resort, but their inaccessibility has prevented the mainte- 
nance of their reputation before the public. They are destined to 
come again into prominence. Marl deposits of value have been 
discovered upon Flat Creek, near Burnt Corn, and in the high 
bluffs, near Claiborne. Green sand marl is also seen at Bell's Land- 
ing and Johnson's Woodyard, on the Alabama River. These are 
supposed to extend across the county and to give fertility to the 
lands lying along Flat Creek, and are enriching the soil of north- 
ern Conecuh. 

The points of interest are Monroeville, the county-seat, with a 



190 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



population of 400, Perdieu Hill, Buena Vista, Burnt Corn and 
Pineville. 

The school and church advantages of the county are good. 

Transportation is afforded by the Alabama River, and by the 
Selma & Pensacola Railroad, in Wilcox, or the Louisville & Nash- 
ville, as it passes through the adjoining county of Conecuh. 

Lands may be had for figures running from ^1.25 to $10 per 
acre About 50,000 acres of public lands exist in the county. 
Anxious to have the prosperity of the county enhanced, and its 
unoccupied lands taken, the people would hail with delight the 
influx of an industrious population. 



ESCAMBIA COUNTY. 

The county of Escambia was constituted in 1868, and named 
for the beautiful river which flows across it. It is one of th 
youngest counties of the State, but is regarded one of she thrift- 
iest in the great Timber Belt It has peculiar natural advantages 
in its forest wealth, its smooth topography, and its deep and wide 
streams. It has an area of 1,000 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 4,041 ; population in 1880, 5,719. White, 
4,106; colored, 1,613. 

Tz/led Land — 6,934 acres. Area planted in cotton, 278 acres; 
in corn, 3,699 acres; in oats, 869 acres; in sugar cane, 83 acres; 
in rice, 405 acres ; in sweet potatoes, 494 acres. 

Cotton^ Production— bales. 

Escambia lies in the heart of the long-leaf pine region. The 
county is, in general, a level district of pine woods, the uniform 
surface of which is broken only by sm.all valleys which are occa- 
sioned by the creeks and branches and the lime-sinks. The soil is 
uniformly a light, sandy loam of prevailing light colors, and is not 
very productive unless aided with fertilizers. The high yield of 
the few acres planted in the county show what these level soils are 
capable of doing well when properly helped and judiciously tilled. 
The most fertile land, naturally, found in the county is along the 
Conecuh River, where are found alluvial deposits. Fortunately, 
these sandy lands are quite level, and hence are not exposed to 
washing, and will retain all the fertilizers used upon them. Their 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. ' I9I 



character is such as to favor the rapid rotation of crops. The 
sandy surface throughout is underlaid with a deep clay subsoil. 

Cane, corn, rice, millet, sorghum, sweet and Irish Potatoes, and 
-peas are the chief products of the farm. All these do well, but 
of the sugar cane and the potatoe it is doubtful whether any por- 
tion of the Union ca.f\ surpass this section in their production. 
This county produces more sugar-cane than any other in the State. 

Last year immense' quantities of the purest molasses or syrup 
-was made. Resides furnishing a sufficiency for home consumption, 
•quantities of it was shipped to the W est. The potato attains a 
sweetness and size here which are but rarely attained elsewhere. 
Peaches, pears, grapes, apples, figs, pomegranates and quinces 
•grow in the orchards, while vegetables of every character thrive 
and supply the homes almost from one end of the year to the 
other. Of the fruits, grapes do exceedingly vv^ell. 

Orchard culture and truck farming would, no doubt, prove 
profitable pursuits in the region adjacent the railway lines which 
penetrate the county. 

But the glory of Escambia is her magnificent forests of pine. 
In this county the expansive domains of yellow or long-leaf pine 
may be seen in its perfection. These pines give rise to the chief 
industries of the county, viz : The timber, lumber and turpen- 
tine business. Some of the finest and best equipped saw mills 
.and turpentine distilleries known to the South are found in Escam- 
bia county. Timbers are hewn from the forests and rafted along 
the large streams to the mills to be converted into lumber, or else 
to Pensacoia, where a ready market awaits them. These lumber 
-and turpentine industries are near the Louisville & Nashville Rail- 
road, which traverses the county north and south. 

Luxuriant herbage grows throughout these pine districts, afford- 
ing grasses to cattle and sheep. So little is the expense attaching 
to stock-raising and wool-growing that they are. rapidly assuming 
prominence as industries in Escambia. There are 30,000 sheep in 
the county that are sustained entirely upon the native grasses. 
The growth of this spontaneous herbage is scarcely retarded by 
the short winters, and thus the herds of cattle and sheep and goats 
are sustained almost throughout the year. 

Deer are found in some portions of Escambia as well as other 
species of game. 

The principal streams are Conecuh and Escambia Rivers, Mur- 



192 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



* der, Cedar, Burnt Corn and Sizemore Creeks. These are remark- 
ably fine streams of water, affording not only an unceasing supply 
of water for home and farm consumption, but furnishing a suffi- 
ciency for multitudes ^^f manufactories. There sport in these 
creeks and rivers vast quantities of ffesh water fish which are 
easily captured. The trout is ' quite a common luxury with the 
people of Escambia. 

The places of importance are Brewton, the county-seat, with a 
population of i., 500, Pollard and Flomaton. Brewton is one of 
the thriftiest business centers to be met with in the interior of 
Alabarna. Besides its large and flourishing mercantile establish- 
ments, it has several institutions of learning. Chief among these 
is Brewton Institute, a school of high grade, and manned with a 
competent corps of professors. Brewton affords an illustration of 
the immense wealth which is resident in the adjacent forests of 
timber. Here are found mammoth lumber mills, while a sash, 
door and blind factory is being built. 

The health of the town is greatly enhanced by the prevalence of 
artesian wells. 

Escambia is penetrated by two railroads — the Louisville & 
Nashville, and the southern end of the Pensacola & Selma Rail- 
road. The Pensacola Division of the Louisville & Nashville Line 
enters the county at Flomaton, where it forms a junction with the 
main trunk. This gives the county an outlet to Pensacola. 
Through governmental intervention the Escambia and Conecuh 
Rivers will be opened for light boats in the future, and, when done, 
this will largely contribute to the prosperity of the county. 

Purchasers of lands will find them ranging from. ;^ 1.2 5 to $^ per 
acre. Near the railroad centers they will command a higher price 
' than that given. A hospitable people, healthful climate, pure 
water, bounteous, natural luxuries, and cheap lands, are the 
attractions offered to immigrants in Escambia county. 

There are 90,000 acres of government land in the county. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



CONECUH COUNTY. 

Conecuh v/as established as a county in 18 18. The name is 
derived from two Indian terms, which, taken together, mean 
^'Caneland, " or ''Land of Cane, " supposed to have been • suggest- 
ed by the beautiful straight cane which grew along the banks of its 
wide and clear streams when the Red Man held sway. The early 
-settlers describe the face of the country as having been one of sur- 
passing loveliness before the woodman's axe laid the forests low, 
and the hands of progressive art displaced the wigwam of the 
rude children of the woods. The land was radiant with long, 
waving grass, interspersed with the wild oat and the native pea- 
vine, in the midst of which grew the towering forms of monarch 
pines. At any time could be seen herds of deer and flocks of 
wild turkeys roving at will over these lands of smiling beauty. 
The whites first occupied its soil in 18 15. 

The area of the county is 840 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 9,574; population in 1880, 12,605. White, 
6,224; colored, 6,381. 

Tilted Land — 46,965 acres. Area planted m cotton, 16,523 
acres; in corn, 20,118 acres; in oats, 3,173 acres; in rye, 32 
acres ; in sugar-cane, 267 acres ; in rice, 121 acres ; in sweet pota- 
toes, 652 acres. 

Cotton Production — 4,633 bales. 

Situated in the southern part of the State, about sixty miles 
from the coast, it is embraced in what is denominated by the State 
geologist, the "Oak and hickory uplands, with long-leaf pine 
region," coming direct within the scope of the great timber belt, 
a large proportion of the half million acres of untilled land being 
covered with the famous Southern yellow pine, so highly prized in 
the Northern and European markets for building material. Much 
of this timber is annually being manufactured into lumber and 
square timber for these markets, but the supply is practically 
exhaustless ; so that many generations to come will experience 
no inconvenience by reason of its scarcity. 

Besides this, there are large quantities of oak, hickory, ash, 
poplar, cypress, juniper, magnolia, gum, etc., all suitable for build- 
ing and manufacturing purposes. 



194 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



While the deep, sandy loam, characteristic of the pine regions, 
predominates in its aggregate area, there are large tracts of stiff, 
red clay and lime soil, eminently adapted to the production of cot- 
ton and the other field crops cultivated here, which are being 
eagerly sought after for farming purposes. This is especially true 
since the introduction of commercial fertilizers, which, under judi- 
cious management, always returns a good profit to the farmer. 

In addition to the production of cotton, corn, oats, rice, peas, 
potatoes, sugar-cane, millet, sorghum, and the native grasses, these 
soils have been found well adapted to the raising of vegetables. 
Fruits are easily and abundantly grown, such as apples, pears, 
quinces, figs, pomegranates, strawberries, raspberries, and walnuts. 
Pecans have been cultivated with great satisfaction. Every variety 
of grape known to the South is produced, and it is believed that 
the crates which are now shipped will soon be multiplied into car- 
loads. 

The LeConte pear has been found to succeed well here, and 
erous orchards are being planted, which in a few years may 
expected to out rival the much-talked-of orange groves of 
riorida for clear profit to the proprietors. 

THE CLIMATE 

Is mild. We are here removed from the extreme rigors of a 
Northern winter, and blizzards loose their identity when they come 
in contact with the warm sea breezes of the gulf. The average 
temperature for five years, ending December 31st, 1887, from 
observations taken thrice daily, morning, noon and night, is as 
follows: January, 49.34; February, 57. 26; March, 53.96; April, 
70.16; May, 71.35; June, 76.87; July, 78.48; August, 7^-7i ; 
September, 63.92; October, 57.37; November, 52.58; December, 
45.58, Fah. The highest noon average being 86.12, in August. 

No section of this or any other State can boast of better health 
than is enjoyed here. 

The few cases of malaria met with, comprising the major portion 
of disease here prevalent, are confined to limited districts adjacent 
to the low lands and water courses, and are rarely of a serious char- 
acter, generally yielding readily to a system of judicious treatment* 

The fatal and dreaded lung diseases of more northern latitudes 
are of rare occurrence, as are also affections of the kidneys. Epi- 
demics are unknown here. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The main line of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, the great 
thoroughfare from the North and East to the South and South- 
west, runs directly through this county for a distance of thirty^ 
miles, with a branch road traversing its western border for about: 
fifteen or twenty more ; thus affording facilities for the rapid trans- 
portation of its various products at equitable rates. 

The prices of land vary according to location and other advan- 
tages, but for the most part scarcely more than nominal. Near' 
the railroads and towns good farming land sell anywhere from. 
$2.^0 to $2^ per acre, the latter figure representing, of course^, 
only a few fancy small farms near towns and villages. Timber' 
lands are worth from ^1.25 to $5 per acre, while old waste fields' 
often sell for fifty cents. 

The principal streams are Conecuh River, Little Escambia,. 
Murder, Bottle, Burnt Corn, Sepulga, Brush and Beaver Creeks^ 
all of which are sustained by many valuable tributaries. Some of 
these large streams are bordered by immense swamps, well filled 
with oak and hickory, the fruit of which sustains, every fell, great 
droves of hogs. Nothing else is needed to prepare them for the 
slaughter pen and storeroom. 

Marl is found existing in portions of the county, as is also mia. 
In some parts the surface is overlaid with fine specimens of iron 
ore. Limestone abounds, and the white limestone, which appears 
in quarries, has been used for three-quarters of a century for build- 
ing chimneys. It is a rock of snowy whiteness and is inexhaus- 
tible. In the southeastern portion of the county is a great cave — 
Turk's — in which there are valuable deposits of fertilizers. 

The places of interest are Evergreen, the county-seat, with a. 
population of about 1,200, Castlebcrry, Gravella, Bellville, Brook- 
lyn and Repton. The educational and religious advantages at all 
these points are good. A superior high school for boys and girls- 
is found at Evergreen. A good common-school system exists- 
throughout the county. There is a mineral spring of some local 
note at Evergreen. 

Conecuh is traversed throughout by the Louisville & Nashville 
Railroad, and is penetrated also by a portion of the Selma & Pen- 
sacola Railroad. The South Alabama Railway, from the east, is 
expected to terminate at Evergreen. The lands penetrated by 
these lines are of such character as to suggest the profit that would 
arise from market gardening. 



196 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



At Castleberry there was, until of late, an extensive turpentine 
manufactory. 

The county has about 30,000 acres of government land, much 
of which is heavily timbered with yellow pine. 



BUTLER COUNTY. 

The county of Butler was estabHshed in 18 19. It derived its 
name from one of the earliest settlers — Captain William Butler. 

There is a great diversity of soil and a corresponding variety of 
productions in the county. Its climate, health, location, and 
resources give promise that it will become one of the leading 
counties of this great timber section. Its area embraces 800 square 
miles. 

Population in 1870, I4>98i 5 population in 1880, 19,649. White, 
10,684; colored, 8,965, 

Tilled Land — 87,010 acres. Area planted in cotton, 35,851 
acres; in corn, 24,648 acres; in oats, 7,494 acres; in sugar cane, 
338 acres; in rice, 17 acres; in sweet potatoes, 679 acres. 

Cotton Production — 11,895 bales. 

The general surface of Butler county is rolling with some hills 
in the west. The lands are beautifully adapted to diversified hus- 
bandry. In the northwestern portion the soil is prairie and pro- 
lific. Through the middle portions there are red lands whose 
value is highly prized by the planters of the county. In the south- 
ern portion the soil is both red and gray. Along the higher table- 
lands of Butler are found the sandy soils which belong to all high 
pine regions ; but like the lands of this class throughout the Tim- 
ber Belt, there is a clay subsoil of considerable depth, which gives 
to the deep-rooted crops immense advantage. In the hilly portion 
of Butler, where the highest points are of thin soil, the slopes and 
valleys are quite productive. There is a considerable mixture of 
lime with the soil in the creek bottoms. This is due to the wash- 
ings from the neighboring lime hills. 

The soils of the county produce cotton, corn, oats, sugar-cane, 
rice, barley, rye, peas, peanuts, sweet and and Irish potatoes. 

No crop raised upon Southern soil can be planted in Butler with- 
out receiving an adequate return, provided the seasons are favor- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



197 



able. Many of the lands are fertile, and when they are comparatively 
thin they are easily fertilized, and where they need such aid, are 
well calculated to retain the manures A fact bf great practical value 
may be mentioned here as admitting of equal appHcation to every 
county in the great Timber Belt, viz : In the sections which need 
the application of fertilizers there are wonderful quantities of pine 
straw and leaves, which, when thrown into stables and pens, serve 
to make the best domestic fertilizers. For more than a half century 
this course has been adopted by planters, and their lands have been 
kept enriched from year to year. Through a long period of years 
cotton and corn were almost the exclusive crops ; but a marvelous 
change is now being wrought in the practical industries of the coun- 
ty. The production of oats is engrossing more attention than for- 
merly. The same is true of rice. Sugar-cane is so easily grown 
and its yield is so abundant that it is fast becoming one of the staple 
productions of the county. 

Perhaps in no county in the Timber Belt is more attention 
bestowed upon the orchard than in Butler. Superior apples, 
peaches, pears, and watermelons are produced. Figs thrive in 
the fence corners and out-of-the-way places, and with no attention 
the yield is very great. With slight attention, the fig would thrive 
quite as well here as in any part of the world The grape has 
received considerable attention, and the returns from the culture 
of the vine are excellent. In the town of Greenville, Honorable 
J, C. Richardson has given considerable attention to the produc- 
tion of fruits, and especially of the different varieties of grapes 
and pears. The yield is quite large every year and the fruits grow 
to perfection. Major D. G. Dunklin, of the same place, raises 
grapes for shipment, from which he derives considerable revenue. 

The fields and forests of Butler are overspread with native clovers 
and grasses, which are encouraging stock-raising. About the cen- 
ters of population great quantities of milk and butter are produced 
for home consumption and the local markets. Raising beef for 
distant markets, and wool-growing, are now receiving some atten- 
tion. 

Vegetables grow to perfection, and truck farming and market 
gardening are somewhat engaged in, especially in the neighbor- 
hood of Greenville. 

In different sections of Butler county there are splendid forests 
of timber comprising the several varieties of oak, pine, ash, gum, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



cedar, poplar, hickory, dogwood, maple, beech, and magnolia. Of 
the yellow, or long-leaf pine, there are vast districts, and the tim- 
ber is equal to that of any other section of this Belt. In the 
northern or prairie region of Butler there are belts of cedar growth 
as fine as can be obtained in the Union. 

The county abounds in excellent water supplies. Springs, wells, 
and creeks abound in freestone and lime water. The county is some- 
what noted for its mineral springs. Butler Springs have long been 
noted for their medicinal waters, and when easier accessibihty is had, 
the springs will come into note. But one of the most remarkable 
mineral wells is found within three miles of Greenville — McCah/s 
Mineral Well Its waters are pronounced the "strongest,'^ of the 
various mineral waters known in America. For dyspepsia and 
chronic derangement of the urinary organs, and all phases of erup- 
tions, the waters are excellent. ^ 

Of the chief streams of the county it may be said that Pine, 
Barren and Cedar Creeks, head in the northwest, while the tribu- 
taries of the Sepulga River run through other portions. Pigeon 
and Panther Creeks are excellent streams of water. 

Greenville, the county-seat, with a population of 3,500, Georgi- 
ana, Garland, Monterey and Forest Hom.e, are the centers of 
interest. All have remarkably fine educational advantages. 

At Greenville there are three institutions of repute, viz : The 
Greenville Collegiate Institute, the South Alabama Female Insti- 
tute, and the Greenville High School. Public schools are located 
in every township in the county. 

GREENVILLE. 

Greenville, a flourishing little city of 3,500 inhabitants, is the 
seat of justice for the county, and is noted far and wide for its pure 
freestone water, healthful climate, flourishing schools and churches, 
and refined society. Greenville has an annual trade of over a mil- 
lion dollars, and her citizens pay taxes on ^850,000 worth of 
property. It is the commercial center of an excellent section of 
farming country, and is destined to be the peer of any city in 
South Alabama. There are several factories and other industrial 
enterprises in successful operation, and the future of the town is 
bright and promising. 

There are several fine deposits of iron ore in different portions 
of the county, specimens of which have been analyzed and found 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



199 



to contain about 50 per cent, of metalic iron. The ore is of the 
needle variety and could be easily worked. As those deposits 
are not convenient to the railroad, they have not as yet been 
properly developed. The deposits of lime-stone in the north- 
western portion of the county are immense, and will some day 
prove very valuable. In the northwestern portion of the county 
are deposits of phosphate beds. An analysis of the specimens 
has caused experienced chemists to pronounce them similar to 
those found in the celebrated phosphate beds ol South Carolina. 

In addition to the public lands in the county, there are large 
districts of cheap land belonging to different corporations. Among 
these may be mentioned the followiug : The Louisville & Nash- 
ville Railroad Company owns 8,800 acres; the Michigan Land 
Company pays taxes on 10,700 acres; the Milner, Caldwell & 
Flowers Lumber Company, something over 35,000 acres; the 
Rocky Creek Lumber Company 8,000 acres; Dunham Lumber 
Company 23,000 acres, while Judge S. J. Boiling and Joseph 
Steiner each lays claim to something over 39,000 acres. Several 
other wealthy men own large tracts of farming lands in different 
portions of the county. 

Some of the leading lumber interests of South Alabama are 
found in Butler along the line of the Louisville & Nashville Rail- 
road. They are devoted exclusively to the manufacture of pine 
lumber, which is shipped to the most distant parts of the country. 
Many other industries, such as gins and water mills abound. 

Those desiring lands may secure them in many localities at nomi- 
nal figures. The present market price extends from ^1.50 to ^10 
per acre. There are in the county 13,160 acres of public lands 
subject to homestead entry. 

Pleasant and cheap homes are here afforded those desiring to 
to settle. The people arc industrious, thrifty, and quiet, and 
immigrants will be well received. 



200 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



COVINGTON COUNTY. 

Established in 1821, this county took its name from General 
Leonard W. Covington, of Maryland. It is noted for its streams, 
grazing lands, and superb regions of timber. Like other sections 
of Alabama, Covington has failed of appreciation, because of its 
remoteness from lines of transportation 

The development of its abounding resources will follow in the 
wake of transportation facilities. The county has an area of 1,030^ 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 4,868 ; population in 1880,5,639. White^. 
4,968 ; colored, 671. 

Tilled Land — 19,326 acres. Area planted in cotton, 4,176' 
acres; in corn, 10,558 acres; in oats, 2,114 acres; in rice, 47^ 
acres ; in sugar-cane, 147 acres; in sweet potatoes, 466 acres. 

Cotton Production — -1,158 bales. 

The entire surface of covington is, for the most part, level, ancf 
yet with undulation sufficient in many portions of the county for 
thorough drainage. 

In the northern end of Covington are found the red uplands^ 
which have become justly famous to planters in the adjoining 
counties. These, however, are not extensive, and for fertile soils 
the people have to resort to the lands in the bottoms. Lands of 
more than average quality are found in different districts through- 
out the county of Covington. Where they have been properly^ 
fertilized^ the pine uplands have produced well. 

It will be remembered by the readers of agricultural journals, 
that it was on just such level pine lands as those which prevail in- 
Covington County, that Mr David Dickson had such a wonderful 
yield in Hancock County, Georgia, in 1868. According to the 
statement of the Southern Cidtivator he gathered from two to three 
bales from each acre, after proper tillage. 

The lands are susceptible of a high degree of enrichment by^ 
manures,^ are easily tilled, and capable of producing, not only a 
great variety of crops, but several in rotation every year. In 
some instances the lands of Covington county have been made to- 
yield from forty to sixty bushels of corn per acre ; from thirty to- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



20 I 



seventy bushels of oats ; from forty to eighty bushels of rice, and 
from one hundred to three hundred bushels potatoes. The best 
lands in Covington are the mulatto soils and those of a flowery 
gray. They each have a capital subsoil which begins from ten to 
sixteen inches from the surface, 

The bottom lands, as has before been intimated, are of excellent 
. quality. There flourish upon the lands such farm productions as 
cotton, corn, oats, rye, rice, sugar cane, millet (in many varieties), 
sweet and Irish potatoes, pumpkins, peas and peanuts. Where 
the land is enriched these grow rapidly, and are easily produced by 
reason of the general looseness of the soil. Improved implements 
of agriculture upon these level tracts would prove valuable and 
remunerative. The productions of the lands have been gathered 
from the shallowest surface, while the subsoil, but a few inches 
beneath, has been largely untouched. 

Fruits grow in variety and profusion. These include melons, 
apples, peaches, grapes, figs, pears, plums, quinces, strawberries, 
raspberries and pecans. With transportation, these productions 
would find a ready market, and be a source of great revenue to 
the county. 

*■ The timbers of the county are j^llow or long- leaf pine, oak, 
• hickory, elm, beech and poplar. The county is noted for its for- 
ests of towering pine. Districts of this magnificent timber extend 
for many miles in all directions through the county. Beneath 
these lofty pines there flourish the greenest grasses and legumin- 
ous plants, which afford superior range for herds of cattle, sheep 
and goats. Great quantities of lumber are hewn from the forests 
every season and floated along the principal streams to the mark- 
ets of the Gulf 

The county has some of the largest and deepest streams known 
to the southern section of the State. Among these may be named 
Conecuh, Patsaliga, Scpulga and Yellow Rivers, and Pigeon, 
Limestone, Five Runs and Forks of Yellow River, besides many 
others of less value. These great streams are quite serviceable to 
lumber men during the fall and winter season as furnishing the 
channels of commerce for their superior yellow pine timber. 
They are also noted for their abundance of fish. With little dif- 
ficulty superior trout, bream and perch are caught from the streams. 
As in the forests adjoining, there are many deer still to be 
found. Rare sport is here afforded, both for hunter and angler. 



202 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Specimens, both of iron and marl have been found in Coving- 
ton. 

The chief pursuits are timbering and farming. Wool-growing 
is becoming one of the industries of the county. Vast quantities 
of honey are every year produced. 

The county is without transportation, except by means of wagon, 
to the railroads which penetrate the adjoining counties. The South 
Alabama Railroad is projected through Covington, and is expected 
to run via Andalusia to Evergreen, Conecuh county. The Cone- 
cuh River is navigable for light boats at certain seasons. They 
ascend as high as the nearest landing to Andalusia. But for the 
obstrctions in the river, it would be a valuable waterway to this 
section of Alabama. The points of interest are Andalusia, the 
county-seat, with a population of 200, Rose Hill, Fairfield, Red 
Level, Lakeview, and Shirley. The leading schools of the county 
are at Andalusia, Rose Hill, and Red Level, though the public 
school system reaches every precinct. Churches, mainly of the 
Baptist and Methodist denominations prevail, both in the county 
and in the villages. 

The prices of land vary from to $5 per acre. Covington 
county has a larger district of government land than any other in ^ 
the State there being 100,000 acres. 

Viewed as a whole, the water of Covington county is abundant, 
the climate salubrious, and the health unsurpassed. In addition 
to its remarkably favorable climate, it has all the other conditions 
which are conducive to a rapid rotation of crops, and of easy accu- 
mulation of the comforts of home. No more inviting region is 
found in the State. 



CRENSHAW COUNTY. 

This county was formed in 1865, and named for Hon. Anderson 
Crenshaw. It lies in that section of the State toward which much 
attention is now being turned, because of its varied resources and 
growing industries. Debarred the enjoyment of railroad privileges, 
there has not been that spirit of enterprise and energy which is 
warranted by the varied resources of Crenshaw. The area of the 
county is 660 square miles. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



203 



Population in 1870, 11,156; population in 1880, 11,726. White, 
9,118; colored, 2,608. 

Tilled Land — Gj.jjo acres. Area planted in cotton, 27,962 
acres; in corn, 28,098 acres; in in oats, 5,208 acres; in tobacco, 
33 acres; in rice, 25 acres; in sugar cane, 294 acres; in sweet 
potatoes, 558 acres. 

Cotton Production — 8,173 bales. 

The surface of Crenshaw is undulating. In the northern por- 
tion is found a reddish lime land, which is productive, and upon 
which are seen many of the excellent farms of the county. In the 
soil here found, are small rounded lumps of brown iron ore. The 
lands upon the upper surfaces are good, but along the bottoms 
they increase very much in fertility, having the benefit of the 
washings of the hills. In the central portion of the county they 
are decidedly limy. A limestone of considerable purity, and in 
vast abundance, shows itself along the banks of streams. This 
has been burnt to advantage, and would assist in the enrichment 
of adjacent lands if employed for that purpose. Its abundance 
and richness suggests its commercial value when transportation 
will justify it. The character of the land lying in southern half of 
the county differs materially from that lying northward. In this 
lower portion they are largely pine lands, with all the ruling char- 
acteristics which belong to such, interspersed with areas of finer, 
and stiffer, and richer soils, upon which grow oak and hickory. 
In the extreme southern end of the county are occasional tracts of 
red lime land. This land resembles the lime land which is contig- 
uous to the larger streams in the adjacent counties. In addition to 
these lands already named, there are the dark loam and sandy lands 
which skirt Patsaliga River. Thus, it will be seen that Crenshaw 
has a diversity of soils, but means exist for making them far more 
uniform in productiveness than they are at present. 

Could the abounding lime of the central portion of the county 
be transferred to the limeless pine lands, the result would be most 
beneficial, especially when these thin surface soils possess such a 
deep clay foundation. 

The lands of the county produce cotton, corn, oats, rye, rice, 
peas, potatoes, pumpkins, peanuts, and sugarcane. Remunerative 
crops of all these productions are annually grown in all parts of 
the county. The staple products of the county are cotton and 
corn ; but the other productions are taking rank as staples, espe- 



204 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



cially potatoes and sugarcane. There is an annual increase in the 
production of these crops. Here, as in the adjoining counties, are 
found superior pasture lands, which afford nourishment for stock 
almost throughout the year. Grasses overspread the forests and 
waste places, and the streams are skirted with cane. 

Fruits of different sorts abound, chief among which are peaches^ 
pears, apples, and figs. Vineyards do extremely well, and many 
luscious grapes are annually grown. Were a market convenient^ 
fruit raising would be profitable. 

Wool growing is increasing in its proportions every year. Stock 
raising is attracting some attention, but the chief pursuit is that of 
planting. The growth of the forests is pine, oak, hickory, gum, 
cypress, and poplar. Principal among these is the pine. Exten- 
sive forests of this growth overspread almost the entire southern 
half of Crenshaw. It is scarcely touched in many places, and is 
silently awaiting the opening of avenues of transportation, that its 
turpentine and lumber may seek their way to market. Many saw 
mills, both steam and water, exist in the county ; but the lumber 
thus manufactured is almost entirely for the home trade. 

Principal among the streams are Manack Creek, which heads in 
the northwestern part of the county, Yellow Water, Conecuh, and 
Patsaliga Rivers, These, together with their numerous branches, 
afford great quantities of water to every part of ;the county. These 
streams are supplied with excellent fish. 

The points of interest in the county are Rutledge, the county 
seat, with a population of 300, Rocky Mount, Honoraville, New 
Providence, Bullock, Mount Ida, Leon, and Highland Home. 

Good schools exist at most of these places, but the most promi- 
nent educational interests are found at Rocky Mount, Rutledge, 
and Highland Home. At the last named point is a school of con- 
siderable distinction for both sexes. Churches of the different 
denominations of Christians abound throughout the county. 

For transportation, the people rely mainly upon the Montgom- 
ery & Florida Railroad. This road is now being rapidly built 
through this section, and will soon penetrate the heart of the 
county, thus giving exit to the resources which have been useless 
to the people by reason of the absence of transportation. Those 
living in the western portion of the county are accessible to the 
Louisville & Nashville, and those living in the northern end are 
easily accessible to the Mobile & Girard, which terminates at Troy, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



205 



in Pike county. The construction of the important Hne from 
Montgomery will introduce new life into the county. Its comple- 
tion will open up this section to Montgomery, where the best 
facilities for shipment and travel will be met. 

In this county, as in all others in this region, lands may be had 
at very moderate figures. Overspread with forests of splendid 
timber, both of pine and oak, they are destined to be quite valua- 
ble, and yet may be bought in some sections for $1 per acre, in 
others for ^2.50, and in others, still, for ^5. 

There are 16,000 acres of land belonging to the general govern- 
ment in Crenshaw. 

Vast tracts of land may be purchased at nominal prices, and the 
people would welcome immigrants of thrifty habits. 



PIKE COUNTY. 

The county of Pike was created in 182 1. Its name was given 
in honor of General Zebulon M. Pike, of New Jersey. It has 
become one of the most progressive counties in the Timber Belt 
since the construction of the Mobile & Girard Railway. Its county- 
seat, Troy, has been noted, of late years, for the enterprise and 
thrift of its citizens. By reason of its geographical location it has 
become, to a large degree, a distributing^point to much of the ter- 
ritory lying south. 

Pike county has an area of 740 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 17,423 ; population in 1880, 20,640. White, 
14,368; colored, 6,272. 

Tilled Land — 114,850 acres. Area planted in cotton, 47,107 
acres; in corn, 42,207 acres; in oats, 5,424 acres; in wheat, 72 
acres; in rye, 23 acres; in sugar-cane, '400 acres; in sweet pota- 
toes, 883 acres. 

Cotton Production — 15, 136 bales. 

The northern and central portions of Pike are hilly ; the remain- 
der of the county is largely of a level surface. The land is quite 
varied in its fertility. Along the sandy ridges which prevail in 
different portions of Pike, the lands are thin, with an accompany- 
ing clay foundation of red or yellow. 



2o6 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



In the eastern part is seen the formation of the famous Chun- 
nenuggee ridge. Upon the topmost lands of this ridge there is a 
surface of sand, but the slopes are of a limy character and have a 
lasting and productive soil. In the bottoms, between these lime 
hills, the lands are of the best character. Their productive vir~ 
tues will be inexhaustible for many years to come. South of this 
Chunnenuggee formation there is a strip of Hme country. From 
the city of Troy southward a number of miles, there is a stiff 
lime and clay soil of wonderful fertility, while still further south 
the lands grow thinner and more sandy, and are overgrown by 
the finest pine timber. Throughout this southern section of the 
county there is a prevalence of pine forests with occasional inter- 
spersion of oak and hickory lands. Where these last-named 
lands appear they are highly appreciated for their productive 
qualities. 

In the southeastern portion of the county there are many 
superior farming lands. They are of a stiff, clayey nature, but 
are much prized for their fertility. Than this there is not a 
better farming section in the whole county. In the western and 
central portions of Pike there are occurrences of pure limestorie 
in sufficient quantities to supply the evident deficiency in the 
soils of the '^pine lands. Judiciously distributed over the sur- 
face of the thin pine soils, their valuation would be greatly 
enhanced. 

The most of the lands that can be used in Pike for farming 
purposes He quite favorably for enrichment with fertilizers. This 
fact has encouraged the importation of many fertilizers into the 
county. The annual sales of these manures at Troy are immense. 
This gives us a bird's eye view of the county of Pike and of its 
varied soils. Upon these lands are generally grown corn, cotton, 
oats, wheat, rye, rice, sorghum, sugar-cane, and potatoes. Large 
crops of peas and peanuts are also produced. The county has 
long ranked among the foremost in the State in its capacity to 
produce sweet potatoes and the Cuban sugar-cane. 

Both these crops thrive wo-nderfuUy well. These soils produce as 
fruits, apples, peaches, plums, pears, grapes, quinces, figs and pom- 
egranates, together with melons, cantelopes, raspberries and straw- 
berries. To visit Troy during the fruit season is to witness the 
luxuries produced in orchard and garden alike in the surrounding 
country. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



20f 



There is a perceptible progress in the improvement of the stock 
of the county, especially about the centers of interest This is 
promoting the raising of grasses and clovers. More attention is 
gradually being given to the raising of swine. The timbers of the 
forests of Pike are oak, hickory, elm, poplar, cypress, beech and 
pine. Of the last named there are very great forests, valuable 
alike for its flammable qualities and its turpentine and lumber. 
Mills for the manufacture of lumber are found in every part of the 
county. Pike is drained through two main streams and their 
tributaries. These are the Conecuh and Pea Rivers. Many very 
fine branches and creeks penetrate the county, and seek their out- 
let through these principal channels. The waters are wonderfully 
clear, the bottoms of the streams being often overspread with a 
sand of snowy whiteness, and again with beautiful pebbles. Many 
fine fish are caught from these streams. They are also used, as in 
the adjoing counties, for floating the massive pine timbers to the 
markets of the Gulf. 

The centers of interest in^Pike are Troy, a beautiful little city of 
3,500, Brundidge and Orion. These are important social centers, 
and are proud of their educational facilities. Troy has a collegiate 
institute, besides other schools of merit. A normal college has 
been established there. A good common school system reaches 
every portion of the county. Troy is a point of unusual impor- 
tance because of its relation to the surrounding region of country. 
It is an important distributing center. It serves as a valuable cot- 
ton market, and receives a considerable quantity of this staple every 
season. It is the terminus of the Mobile and Girard Railroad 
upon the south. By means of this hne the people of Pike are 
brought into immediate connection with the Montgomery & 
Eufaula Railroad, or else with the several lines which converge at 
Columbus, Georgia. This is the sole commercial outlet and inlet 
that penetrates the county. 

Immigrants will be able to purchase lands in Pike county for 
sums ranging from ;^i. 50 to ^10 per acre. Government lands, sub- 
ject to entry, are found in the county. Men seeking homes will 
be welcomed to Pike, and so will capitalists seeking investments. 
The people are mostly of a progressive spirit, and are eager to see 
their unpopulated districts peopled^with men of pluck and enter- 
prise. 

Government land to the extent of 5,000 acres exist in the county. 



208 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



COFFEE COUNTY. 

Created in 1841, this county took its name from that of General 
John Coffee. It is highly favored with respect to its cHmate and 
superior heaithfulness. It Hes in the heart of the great Timber 
Belt, and all the characteristics which belong to that beautiful 
region are found existing here — extensive domains of forests of 
pine, with here and there a stream of crystal clearness, and car- 
peted throughout with pastures of perennial green ; with a slightly 
undulating surface, affording lands of varying fertility, and with 
conditions of soil favorable alike to the pursuits of agriculture, 
horticulture and stock-raising. Remote from the great arteries of 
commerce and centers of trade, its attractions are unknown ; but 
it is questionable whether a more populous section can be found 
in Alabama than just here when the intrinsic worth of this region 
shall have become known. Its area comprises 700 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 6,171 ; population in 1880, 8,119. White, 
6,831 ; colored, 1,288. 

Tilled Land — 42,126 acres. Area planted in cotton, 16,431 
acres; in corn, 18,668 acres; in oats, 2,370 acres; in rye, 31 
acres; in wheat, 22 acres; in rice, 21 acres; in sugar cane, 254 
acres ; in sweet potatoes, 474 acres. 

Cotton Production — 4,788 bales. 

In the main, the surface of Coffee county is level ; but in the 
northern portion it is broken and hilly. The northern and south- 
ern portions differ very much in this respect — the southern being 
quite level. Above Elba, the county-seat, there are what are 
locally called ''the red clay hills," which, together with the inter- 
veninggbottoms, are fairly productive. Going southward from the 
point indicated, one gets a view of the most magnificent forests of 
yellow pine upon the globe. It is impossible to estimate the 
wealth treasured up in these splendid trees, the forests of which 
abound for many mifes throughout the county of Coffee. As yet, 
the lands over these vast ranges are used for little else than graz- 
ing purposes. Subsoil tillage will eventually place them among 
the most 'attractive agricultural lands in Alabama At present, 
they are the haunts of extensive herds of cattle and sheep. The 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



209 



richest pasturage prevails here almost throughout the year. This 
is true of the pine districts. 

Turning our attention to other qualities of soil, we find it in cul- 
tivation and producing quite readily. Previous to this, the farm- 
ing interests of the county were restricted to the northern por- 
tions, but within the last two or three years a thrifty class of farm- 
ers has entered more than 40,000 acres of land in the southern 
part, and are rapidly improving the soil. The productions of the 
county are corn, cotton, oats, rye, rice, potatoes (sweet and Irish), 
and sugarcane. 

Like those of the surrounding counties, the people of Coffee are 
coming more and more to recognize the merits of the Cuban sugar- 
caue. Its production is easy and remunerative. 

Fruits are readily produced here. Apples, pears, peaches, 
plums, quinces, and pomegranates are the principal fruits. The 
woods abound in wild fruits for man and beast. Grapes rapidly 
attain perfection, and with proper cultivation will become remu- 
nerative, 

A green sand marl has been observed at Kimneey^s mill, south 
of Elba, but its extent has not yet been ascertained. 

The timbers of the county are oak, hickory, ash, beech, poplar, 
and pine. The northeastern part of the county is heavily tim- 
bered with oak, hickory, and ash. The interior of the county is 
usually covered with the forests of yellow pine. 
^ The chief industries of Coffee are farming, timbering, and stock 
raising. Wool growing has long been an important branch of 
business. 

The principal streams are Pea River, and White Water, Big, 
Bluff, and Double Bridge Creeks. Fish of superior quahty 
abound in these streams. Branches of perpetual flow, traverse 
the whole face of the country. Mineral springs also exist. 

Elba, the county seat, with a population of 600, Victoria, Clin- 
tonville, and Brannen are the points of interest. 

School facilities are moderately good, and religious advatitages 
are excellent. 

The county is without river or railroad transportation, and relies 
mainly upon Troy, in the adjoining county of Pike, as a market, 
and as the nearest accessible point of transportation by rail. Rail- 
i roads have been projected through the county, and it is believed 
that at no remote period, the county will have its slumbering 



2IO 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



resources recognized by reason of the existence of these great 
agencies of development. 

Lands may be purchased for $i and ^3 per acre. 

Many of the most valuable lands of Coffee belong to the gov- 
ernment, aftd may be entered ; of these there are 80,000 acres. 

The people of the county are eager to have immigrants settle in 
their midst and assist in its development. 



GENEVA COUNTY. 

The county of Geneva was formed in 1868. It is one of the 
most progressive counties in this portion of the State. Capital 
and enterprise have been won to it, and its lands are being rapidly 
occupied. Long remote from important lines of transportation, it 
now enjoys facilities which enable its numberless resources to find 
their way easily to market. The wide-awake spirit which prevails 
among the people of Geneva, my be inferred from the rapid 
increase of population within the last four years. The figures 
given below are those taken from the census report of 1870 and 
1880; but since the last National census, the population has rnore 
than doubled, being in 1884, Q, 557. Attention is now called more 
minutely to its resources and advantages. It has an area of 648 
square miles. 

Population in 1870, 2,959; population in 1880, 4,342. White, 
3,829 ; colored, 513. 

Tilled Land — 17,664 acres. Area planted in cotton, 4,947 
acres; in corn, 9,476 acres; in oats, 1,705 acres; in sugar cane, 
118 acres ; in rice, 54 acres; in sweet potatoes, 350 acres. 

Cotton Production — 1,112 bales. 

The surface of the county is usually level. The lands are gener- 
ally of a light, sandy loam. In some sections of the county they 
are stiff, and produce with ease under favorable auspices. 

The yield never fails to be generous where the lands are aided 
by fertilizers and judiciously cultivated. In the eastern part of the 
county, the lands are of a superior quality, being fine lime soil. 
In the southeastern portion, where Geneva county comes in con- 
tact with the Florida line, there are red lime lands, the reputation 
of which is great, not only in this, but in a number of other coun- 
ties of the Timber Belt. 

t 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



211 



Here, as elsewhere, throughout this timber region, there is the 
greatest possible variety in the soils. As is to be expected, there 
is a prevalence of yellow pine forests in Geneva county, and here, 
as in other counties, the surface contains a thin, sandy soil, which 
is based upon a deep foundation of clay. But cultivation has 
proved that these lands may be made quite valuable for farming 
purposes. Where the deficiencies of plant-food occur in the soil, 
all that is needed is to supply them with proper fertilizers, and 
then with diligent culture the yield is inevitable, and always in 
proportion to the enrichment and cultivation. In the more fertile 
sections, of course, this is not demanded. Until a few years past, 
the production of cotton in this country had received but slight 
attention, the chief pursuits of the people being the lumber busi- 
ness and stock-raising. But within the last few years, cotton has 
been successfully raised, and the value of the lands has been 
greatly enhanced by the use of domestic and commercial fertilizers. 
It is not an uncommon occurrence to raise a bale of cotton to two 
acres. The soils at an early season are warm and well drained, 
resulting in speedy germination, and consequent fruitage. The 
advantages offered by Geneva, have served to attract many immi- 
grants from other counties. 

In the eastern part of the county along the Chipola River, there 
prevail lime lands that are noted lor their fertility. 

The productions are, cotton, corn, peas, oats, sweet potatoes, 
and peanuts. All these thrive quite readily. Vegetables of all 
kinds are easily produced. The chief fruits grown are, melons, 
peaches, figs, and grapes The efforts made to produce these, 
have been the most encouraging possible. 

The trees are largely those of yellow pine, while there are also 
oaks, hickory, poplar, and beech. The manufacture of the pines 
into lumber for shipment, is a growing branch of business. Large 
quantities of logs are floated down the waters of the principal 
streams to markets further south. The manufacture of turpentine 
is also a pursuit, the proportions of which are constantly increasing. 

The streams of the county are the Choctawhatchee, Chipola, 
and Pea Rivers, and Bear, Big, Spring, Wright's, Plate's, Pitt- 
man's, Martin's, Hurricane, Double Bridges, Rocky, Providence, 
Wilkerson's, Beaver-Dam, Sandy, Flat, and Comer Creeks. These 
are valuable streams, and afford an immense water power. From 
these streems, are caught many excellent fish. 



212 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Transportation is afforded the county by steamers upon the 
Choctawhatchee River, which ascend as high as Geneva and operates 
in connection with the trains upon the Pensacola & Atlantic Rail- 
road. This affords a valuable outlet of commerce to the people of 
Geneva, and has been the occasion of much of the progress which 
has marked the history of the county in the immediate past. 

Cheap and expeditious transportation is thus afforded the peo- 
ple of the entire county. Fortunately, the Choctawhatchee River 
penetrates the very center of the county. With slight improve- 
ment, Pea river, which traverses the county in the west, might be 
made valuable as a medium of transportation. Many valuable 
products, such as honey and wool, would become sources of great 
revenue, with increased transportation. The census of 1880, places 
the county of Geneva in advance of every other in the State, in 
sheep-raising. 

There is reason to believe that phosphate deposits exist in the 
county. 

Coffee Springs, ten miles north of Geneva, is quite a watering 
resort, and is destined to become more so because of the curative 
powers of the waters. 

Geneva, Millville and Coffee Springs are the points of interest ; 
the first named is the seat of justice of the county. 

Schools are moderately good and are annnally improving. 
Churches of the Baptist and Methodist denominations principally,, 
exist. 

Lands may be had as low as ^^i and per acre. Vast quanti- 
ties of public or government land are found in Geneva, there being 
150,000 acres. Rare inducements for investments or for settle- 
ments are found in this young and growing county. The people 
are of a progressive spirit and will cordially welcome to the county 
men of limited means who are seeking cheap and pleasant homes, 
as they will the capitalist with ampler resources who desires to 
make a profitable investment. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



213 



DALE COUNTY. 

This county was organized in 1854, and named in honor of Gen- 
eral Samuel Dale. It is one of the counties of the State in which 
there w^ere manufactories prior to the war. Its people have long 
been noted for their sobriety and progressiveness, and, in the 
centers of interest, for their intelligence. Possessing a varied soil, 
genial climate, healthful atmosphere, abounding resources of water, 
rich pasture lands and broad forests of pine, Dale county is the 
peer of any other section in this portion of Alabama. It has an 
area of 650 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 11,325; population in 1880, 12,667. 
White, 10,553; colored, 2,124. 

Tilled Land — 68,413 acres. Area planted in cotton, 27,076 
acres; in corn, 31,867 acres; in oats, 5,114 acres; in wheat, 59 
acres ; in rye, 24 acres ; in rice, 49 acres ; in sugar cane, 373 acres ; 
in sweet potatoes, 872 acres. 

Cotton Production — 6,224 bales. 

The face of the country is, for the most part, level ; but some 
difference exists between the sections north and south, as these are 
divided, the one from the other, by the Choctawhatchee River. The 
portion of Dale lying north of this stream is rolling, while that lying 
south is more level, and, in some portions, quite so. In the 
northern portion the soils are mostly of a light, loamy nature ; in 
the southern, where the pine forests predominate, the soils are 
thin and sandy, with a substratum of clay. The soils of the 
entire county embrace those of red, clayey loam, gray bottom 
soil, and sandy soils. The most desirable lands for tillage pur- 
poses are the red loams, which embrace about one-tenth of those 
now in cultivation. Valuable tracts of this land prevail in differ- 
ent sections of the county. The creek and river bottoms are also 
productive, especially those adjacent to the Choctawhatchee 
River. 

The lands of the county produce cotton, corn, oats, peas, rice, 
rye, sugar-cane, peanuts and sorghum. Some of these are exten- 
sively grown, and others, most notably sugar-cane, are attracting 
greater attention year after year. Vegetables and grasses are 



214 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



grown also in vast abundance. The lands are generous in their 
yield of most of the necessaries, and many of the luxuries of life. 

Peaches, pears, grapes and figs thrive, and, with attention, do 
remarkably well. Through the broad forests of Dale there grow 
luxuriant grasses and plants for herds, and are of great public 
value for browsing purposes. 

Beef marketing and wool growing are gradually assuming the 
proportions of thrifty industries. Large quantities of honey, of 
a superior quality, is annually gathered ; but in the absence of 
transportation is either disposed of in the local markets or con- 
sumed at home. North of the Choctawhatchee River the trees 
of the forest embrace the oak, hickory, poplar, beech, sweet gum, 
and chestnut; south of the river are the extensive regions of 
yellow pine. Much of the last-named growth is hewn and rafted 
to market, while more still is sawn into lumber. Much turpen- 
tine is also gathered. 

Ozark, the county-seat, with a population of several hundred, 
Clopton, Newton, Daleville, and Echo are the principal towns. 
There are good schools and churches at all these points. The 
county is drained by the Choctawhatchee and its numerous tribu- 
taries. It is abundantly supplied with water throughout. Upon 
many of these streams there are thrifty lumber-mills. At New- 
ton there is a cotton and woolen factory, which was established 
many years ago, and has served many important ends in that por- 
tion of the State. The county enjoys no railroad or river facili- 
ties only as it puts itself in connection with such by means of 
wagon transportation. Two lines of railway are projected through 
Dale — the Eufaula & St. Andrew's Bay, and the South Alabama 
Railway. A line of wagons runs between Newton and Ozark, 
and points on the Choctawhatchee River. 

The prices of land extend from ^^i to ;^io peracre. The county 
has an industrious agricultural population that would readily greet 
settlers and investors seeking homes and locations for business. 
No doubt these lands will attract great attention within a few years, 
because of the vast abundance of yellow pine timber which they 
contain. Rare bargains can now be had by those seeking profit- 
able investments in lands and real estate. Much of the land is 
public and may be entered under the homestead act. Of this there 
are 30,000 acres. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



215 



HENRY COUNTY. 

Henry county was created the same year that Alabama became 
a State — 18 19, It derived its name from that of the great Virginia 
orator — Patrick Henry. It hes in the extreme southeastern cor- 
ner of the State, having Georgia, from which it is separated by 
the Chattahoochee River, on the east, and Florida on the south. 

It is one of the most desirable sections of this latitude, being 
wonderfully healthy and in such position as that its climate is soft- 
ened in winter and refreshed in summer by the sea breezes from 
the Gulf of Mexico. Many persons have left the counties above 
and removed to Henry because of its delightful climate. Free 
from the heavy moisture of the atmosphere, which is frequently 
true of regions adjacent to the coast, and having a dry, healthful 
climate, it is peculiarly suited to the invalid of more northern sec- 
tions. Perhaps no portion of the Union affords a drier and heal- 
thier climate for consumptives than that found in this highly- 
favored region. Usually the elevation here is too great for the 
. fogs to ascend, and pure springs, sandy soil, and bracing winter 
atmosphere furnish all the avenues to health that could be desired. 
Here also are to be found the most favorable haunts for hunting 
and field sports, the forests being alive with partridges, wild tur- 
keys, deer, and other game. 

Henry county has an area of 1,000 square miles. 

Population in 1870, 14,191; population in 1880, 18,761. 
White, 11,994; colored, 6,'j6y. 

Tilled Land — 137,348 acres. Area planted in cotton, 54,305 
acres; in corn, 48,661 acres; in oats, 7,902 acres; in rye, 263 
acres ; in wheat, 193 acres ; in tobacco, 24 acres ; in rice, 2$ acres ; 
in sugar-cane, 671 acres; in sweei potatoes, 1,266 acres. 

Cotton Production — 12,573 bales. 

The upper part of Henry county is broken and rolling ; the lower 
or southern portion is level. In the northern end of the county, the 
soil is of a light, sandy loam, and is very productive. In the 
southern portion the sandy soils prevail, and comparatively level 
pine woods constitute the landscape very generally. Along the 
Choctawhatchee River there is a dark mulatto soil which is quite 



2l6 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



valuable for farming purposes. There is also a variety of yellow 
loam upland soils which are much esteemed by the planter. In 
the southwestern corner of the county, in the drainage basin of 
Big Creek, there is a considerable body of red lime lands of great 
productive powers. 

The field productions are cotton, corn, oats, rye, rice, potatoes, 
sugar cane, field peas and peanuts. The soils respond most lib- 
erally to a generous use of fertilizers upon the higher and thinner 
lands. Very early crops are generally produced, because of the 
warmth of the soil. 

Such fruits as peaches, figs, pears, raspberries and strawberries 
are quite thrifty. No section excels this in the production of 
grapes. More attention is now being given these home luxuries 
than ever before. 

There is a perceptible improvement in the stock of the county, 
and this is giving rise to the more careful production of domestic 
grasses. Over the commons and old fields, and through the for- 
ests ot Henry there grow luxuriantly the finest grasses for grazing 
purposes. This fact, taken in connection with the water supplies 
which flow through the county in every direction, indicates its 
desirableness for the pursuit of stock-raising. Wool-growing has 
received considerable attention. 

The lumber and timber interests have been, and are still, very 
great in the county. Such industries as saw mills abound in dif- 
ferent portions of the county, and especially in or about the places 
of interest. Besides pine in great abundance, there are found in 
the forests of Henry such growths as hickory, oak, ash, walnut, 
sweet gum, bay, beech, etc. These are usually found in the 
uncleared bottoms, in the swamps, or along the banks of streams. 

The county is watered by the Chattahoochee (which separates 
it from Georgia) and Choctawhatchee Rivers, and the Yataabba, 
Emersee, Omanussee, Reedy, Big, Bryan's and Hutchison Creeks. 
The water supply is unlimited, the streams being of a beautiful 
clearness and well stocked with superb fish. 

The Chattahoochee River on the eastern border of the county, 
furnishes to the inhabitants an avenue of transportation, and pro- 
ducts may be shipped upon steamers either up the river to Eufaula, 
where the Central Railway system of Georgia is intercepted, or 
southward to the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad. Two other Hnes 
are in contemplation — the Eufaula & St. Andrew's Bay Railroad 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



217 



and the South Alabama Railway, which is expected to run from 
Savannah via Newton and Andalusia to Evergreen on the Louis- 
ville & Nashville system. Should these lines be completed they 
will aftord to the people of Henry county most admirable facilities 
of transportation. The Central of Georgia is now extending the 
Blakely Railroad to Columbia, and the probability is that it will 
be extended westward to connect with the Southeast Alabama 
Railroad. 

The chief towns of Henry are Abbeville, the county-seat, with 
a population of 500, Columbia, Gordon, Headland, and Lawrence- 
ville. Good schools exist at all these centers of interest. An 
educational system prevails throughout the county and is equally 
accessible to all classes. 

Churches mainly of the Baptist and Methodist denominations 
prevail throughout the county. 

Lands vd.ry in valuation from $1 to ;^io per acre. Of these 
there are a great many in Henry county, being 60,000 acres. 

Eager to assist and to be assisted in promoting the prosperity 
of the county, the people of Henry are favorable to the settlement 
of an industrious and thrifty folk in their midst. We have noted 
the delightful and healthful climate, the varied land, and divers 
resources of the county, and from these can readily be inferred 
the possibility of such a section. Regarding these, let the seek- 
ers of homes and capitalists alike determine whether a safer or 
more profitable investment can be made than in Henry county. 



2l8 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



CONCLUSION. 

No one who has followed the Author of this little treatise from 
section to section of this great and growing Commonwealth can 
be otherwise impressed than that Alabama is remarkable both in 
the extent and diversity of her resources of wealth. Her fertile 
fields, deep and numerous water-ways, charming climate, vast for- 
ests of timber, and varied and abounding mineral wealth place her, 
in some respects, in advance of any other State of the American 
Union. To place all these elements of wealth in proper order is 
the design of this little book. 

It is hoped that the systematic arrangement and the sharply 
drawn lines between the several divisions of the State, and the 
minute description of each county, together with the comprehen- 
sive chapters upon the river-ways, the healthfulness, and the edu- 
cational system of the State, warrant the claimi set forth in the 
title of the work as the Immigrant's and Capitalist's Guide-Book 
TO Alabama, 



ALABAMA AS IT JS. 



219 



HEALTHFULNESS OF ALABAMA. 



TOPOGRAPHY, CLIMATE, AND MORTALITY STATISTICS. 

BY R. D. WEBB, M. D., BIRMINGHAM, ALA. 

In an inquiry into the healthfulness of a given region, there are 
three factors which require examination. 
I. — Topography : 

a Surface Features. 
b Character of Soils. 
c Watersheds and Drainage. 
d Flora (amount of vegetable matter). 
II. — Climate : 

a Temperature. 
b Rainfall. 

c Atmospheric Moisture. 
III. — MfPRTALiTY Statistics. 

To study properly the topography of a region which is largely 
influenced by the character of its geological formations, we must 
look at the geology of the region under examination ; not so much 
in the detail of its separate rocks and strata as in the manner in 
which these geological characteristics were impressed upon it. 

In order to do this intelligibly in regard to Alabama, it will be 
necessary to give, briefly, an account of some of the geological 
eras through which it has passed in taking its present features. 

Long years ago, Alabama, with the adjoining parts of Tennes- 
see, Mississippi, and Louisiana, was a gulf, or arm of the sea. At 
that time what is now the Gulf of Mexico had its littoral line as 
far north as Cairo, Illinois, and the mouth of the Mississippi River 
was probably at that point. This is evident to the most casual 
observations of the uninitiated in geological science, as the marine 
shells and fossil casts, everywhere found over this region, testify. 

It is generally admitted that our planet was at one time a molten 



220 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



mass, 'Svithout form and void," which, in lapse of time, has 
gradually cooled, forming a crust or shell, enclosing the still semi- 
molten internal mass. As this cooling proceeded, the globe became 
smaller, and in places the crust fell in and took a lower level. Into 
these lower places the waters were collected, forming oceans, seas, 
and lakes. This is well described in Genesis i, 9: Let the 
waters under the heaven be gathered together into one place, and 
let the dry land appear." 

This was the era ia which, as stated above, Alabama was cov- 
ered by an arm of the sea. The latter part of this era is known to 
geologists as the carboniferous period, when the earth was covered 
with dense forests, which grew luxuriantly in the moist, carbonif- 
erous air, and the marshy lands were filled with cold-blooded rep- 
tiles of huge size, which could breathe this carboniferous air. In 
this condition the earth remained for untold years^ during which 
time the stratified rocks were deposited at the bottom of the seas, 
and vast accumulations of vegetable debris (coal measures) were 
collected in the lakes and lagoons which abounded at that time. 

At the close of this carboniferous period, what is known as the 
Appalachian revolution occured ; by which the great Appalachian 
chain of mountains (Alleghany, Blue Ridge, and Cumberland 
ranges) was elevated above the surface of the water. The exten- 
sion of this chain into Alabama is seen in Lookout, Red and Sand 
Mountains. It enters the State at its northeast corner, and runs 
in a southwest direction to Talladega, Centreville, and Jonesboro. 

By this geological revolution the face of the country was entirely 
changed, and the shore hne of this arm of the sea rolled south- 
ward to the northern border of the cretaceous formation, on a line 
passing east and west through the State from near Columbus (Lat. 
32° 25') on the Georgia line, by Wetumpka and Centreville to 
Tuscaloosa, and thence veering northwest through Pickens and 
Lamar counties, and leaving the State on the west near the thirty- 
fourth parallel of latitude. By this movement all that portion of 
the State north of this line was elevated to an average of 500 to 
800 feet, and in some places as high as 2, 500 feet above the sea 
level. 

The central axis of this upheaval was in a southwestern direction, 
entering the State near its northeast corner and extending to 
Jonesboro. Wy the folding or crimping together of the different 
strata of the silurian, devonian, and carboniferous rocks, those 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



221 



clinal and anticlinal axes were formed, which mark the course of 
the valleys and ridges of this section. The ridges are Lookout, 
Red, Raccoon, and Sand Mountains ; and the valleys are Brown's, 
on the west (a continuation of Sequatchie Valley in Tennessee), 
and Coosa Valley, on the east, with the intervening valleys of 
Jones', Roup's Will's, and Murphree's. 

This upheaval, by which the Appalachain chain was elevated, 
w"as probably at first sudden, but was afterward continued more 
gradually, or, at least, periodically, and consumed a long period of 
years before the Tertiary sea finally receded to its present shore- 
line of the Gulf of Mexico, leaving as dry land the southern half 
of the State. 

By this gradual upheaval, the cretaceous formation (rotten lime- 
stone) was elevated, the strata retaining nearly a horizontal posi- 
tion ; and by its disintegration, and mixing with vegetable matter, 
was formed that undulating plateau of fertile prairie soil, known as 
the ''Black Belt." This is from fifty to sixty miles wide, its 
northern line entering the State in the northwestern part of Pickens 
county (Lat. 34°) and extending in a semi-circular direction around 
the border of the Appalachian elevation, entirely across the State 
to the Georgia line, near Columbus (Lat. 32° 25'). 

This elevating process continued, and the Tertiary sea rolled 
southward until the entire southern part of the State (Tertiary) 
was raised above the sea level, and the shoreline receded to its 
present position of the Gulf coast. This seems to have been with- 
out any decided axial lines of elevation, the Chunnenuggee ridge, 
which extends across the State from east to west, nearly on the 
parallel 32° 15', being the only exception, and giving the only 
hills of any importance south of the southern line of the Appa- 
lachian elevation. 

The receding waters which loUowedthis upheaval, and the glacial 
avalanche which swept down from the north, covering all the west- 
ern and middle part of the State with ''drift" of pebbles, sand, 
and clay, collecting in the lower levels or valleys, marked out the 
channels of the rivers and creeks and left the surface, by their 
evading action in its present undulating condition. 

By these receding waters was also formed the Quartenrary belt 
of alluvial formation on the Gulf coast. This is so small, only a 
narrow strip on the^ Gulf coast and Mobile bay, that it exerts no" 



222 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



material influence upon the sanitary condition of the State, and 
hence will receive no further special notice. 

The physical problem here presented is a little complex at first 
view, but' by a little attention to the principles of geology it will 
be plain enough ; and it is the only method by which we can get 
a comprehensive and correct view of the physical features of the 
State. 

Corresponding with these geological changes the State is naturally 
divided into five sections, viz : 

1. Level pine lands (Tertiary), in southern part. 

2. Black prairie lands (secondary cretaceous), just north of the 
pine lands. 

3. Red clay lands (metamorphic), in eastern part. 

4. Central mountainous (primary and carboniferous|. 

5. Tennessee basin (sub-carboniferous). 

Let us now, more in detail, refer to the most striking features 
of each of these sections. Commencing on the south we have : 

I. The Level Pine Lands ^ which extend across the State from 
east to west, and north from the Gulf on the western border 130 
miles, and about forty miles in the eastern part, where Florida 
projects above the line of the Gulf coast. 

This entire region is level, or gently undulating, having the 
character of hilly only where it is encroached upon by the Chun- 
nenuggee ridge referred to above. It is traversed by the Bigbee 
and Alabama Rivers, forming by their junction fifty miles above 
Mobile, the Mobile River, and by numerous perennial creeks flow- 
ing into these rivers on the Gulf, some of which are of consider- 
able size. The water of these smaller streams is clear and almost 
pure freestone. 

It is conveniently divided into two sub-sections of about equal 
areas — the Level Long-leaf " and " Hilly Long-leaf Pine " sec- 
tion. The first is the southern part, and, with the exception of 
the immediate valleys of the rivers and larger creeks, is covered 
with long-leaf pine forests, interspersed with a few scrubby oaks. 
The surface is level or gently undulating. The latter is more hilly, 
especially toward its northern border, v/here it is encroached upon 
by the Chunnenuggee ridge. This also has a principal growth of 
long-leaf pine, but Hberally interspersed with oak, hickory, gum, 
maple, ash and a few short-leaf pines. In the southern part the 
river bottoms and larger creeks have a growth of cypress, white 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



223 



oak, gum and maple, frequently covered with long, gray moss, 
while in the more northern parts on some of the creeks are beau- 
tiful groves of magnolia grandiflora. Some of these, as on the 
Alamuchie Creek in South Sumter, grow to the height of 120 feet, 
with a diameter of three feet, and with their shiny, evergreen 
leaves and magnificent white blooms, form a striking feature in the 
forest scenery. 

Lying immediately north of this sandy-pine region we have a 
narrow strip, three to four miles wide, of barren, * 'flat woods, " or 
"post oak," extending around the southern border of the prairie 
lands. It has a stiff, compact, grayish soil, the result of the dis- 
integration of the post-oak clay, which, before exposure to the 
air, is of a creamy white color. It is covered throughout with a 
growth of post-oak, sparsely intermingled with red oak and hick- 
ory. It is badly watered, difficult to cultivate, and, except where 
mixed with the lime of the prairie soil, has very little fertility. 
Hence, it is thinly inhabited and w411 not require further notice as 
bearing upon the health of the State. 

2. The Prairie Re ^on {cvQtdiC&ous, rotten lime) or "Black Belt," 
immediately north of this Post-oak Belt, extends across the State from 
east to west. It is about seventy miles broad on the western 
border of the State, and gradually diminishes to forty-five miles 
in the eastern part. The soil is the result of the disintegration of 
the rotten limestone, which everywhere underlies the surface. It 
is a calcareous loam, with but little sand, and its virgin state had 
an abundance of vegetable mould, which renders it very fertile. 
This section, as might be inferred from the name, "Prairie, "is 
not an open, treeless region. 

Occasionally we meet with open, or "bald prairies," a few of 
them covering hundreds of acres ; but the soil generally is densely 
covered with red and white oak, hickory, elm, walnut, cherry, 
gum, poplar, maple, and cedar, with an undergrowth of plum, 
haw, and dogwood. 

This section may be described as an elevated, undulating pla- 
teau, its average elevation above the sea-level being about 150 
feet, but occasionally rising to 300 feet. In a few places it has, 
in small areas, deposited on the surface the sand and clay of the 
"drift" period, which'give small areas of sandy-loam soils. It is 
traversed by the Bigbee, Warrior, Alabama, and Cahaba Rivers 
in their course to the Gulf, and by many creeks, which, for the 



224 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



most part, are dry in the fall. The only exception to this is when 
these creeks have their source in the sandy hills of the drift 
deposit. 

3. The Red-clay Lands in the eastern part of the State. — The 
metamorphic rocks protrude from Georgia into Alabama on its 
eastern border, forming a triangular section, extending from near 
Columbus, Georgia, (Lat. 32° 25'), with the State line nearly to 
parallel 34°, and thence southwest, following the direction of the 
Selma, Rome & Dalton Railroad, to about ten miles beyond the 
Coosa River, and thence, southeast, with the Coosa to Wetump- 
ka, thence, southeast, to the Georgia line. This section embraces 
Cleburne, Randolph, Clay, Coosa, Tallapoosa, Chambers, Elmore, 
and Lee counties. It may be described as a roughly undulating- 
region, in some parts, as on the northwest ; and on the southwest, 
as it approaches the Chunnenuggee ridge, as hilly, often rising 
from four to five hundred feet above sea-level. It is a well-drained 
region, with an argillaceous soil of red clay, but with sufficient 
sand to render the subsoil drainage good. 

4. Central Mountainous Region. — This section of the State is 
more extended and has a more diversified surface, and hence, less 
easily described. It includes all that section of the State north 
of the prairie belt on the western part, and the red clay lands on 
the eastern part, to the Tennessee basin. Thus it embraces the 
mountain ranges and their intervening valleys, entering the State 
at its northeastern corner and running southwest to Jonesboro, 
Centreville, and Talladega, with the Coosa valley and its outlying^ 
ridges, on the east of this mountain axis, and the Warrior coal- 
fields on its west, nearly to the Mississippi line ; and also a section 
of short-leaf pine upland, to the south and west of these, embrac- 
ing the counties of Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Marion, Lamar and Fayette. 
This region, except the southern part, Tuscaloosa and Pickens coun- 
ties, is elevated on an average 600 to 800 feet above the sea-level, 
and is throughout roughly hilly, with intervening valleys ; and, 
occasionally, as on Lookout and Blue Mountains, rising 2,000 to 
2,500 feet above sea-level. The soil of the short-leaf pine section 
is sandy and the surface hilly, and covered in many parts with 
sandy and gravelly drift. The drainage, both surface and subsoil 
is good. 

The other portions of this region have good surface drainage, 
but in its many valleys the stiff, compact, calcareous-loamy soil 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



225 



does not admit of good subsoil drainage. The valleys themselves 
although six to eight hundred feet above sea-level, are relatively 
low, since they are surrounded on all sides by elevated hills, and 
here vve have, to a great extent, the same sanitary environments 
that we have in low places. To this fact, perhaps, are due the 
greater amount of consumption in this elevated mountain region, 
as we shall hereafter see, than in other parts of the State. And 
hence, too, as most of the inhabitants live in these valleys, the 
fact that here also is to found a greater amount of typhoid fever, 
and continued malarial or mountain fever than in other parts of 
the State. 

5. The remaining portion of the State is the Tennessee Valley, 
or Tennessee basin. This is about fifty miles wide and a hundred 
miles long, bounded on the north by Tennessee, on the east by 
the elevated escarpments of Brown's Valley ; on the south by the 
ridge running west from Sand Mountain through the counties of 
Morgan, Lawrence and Franklin ; and west by Mississippi. 

The Tennessee River entering this basin at its southeast corner, 
near Guntersville, runs diagonally through it in a northwesterly 
direction, dividing it into northern and southern parts. These two 
parts are quite similar, each consisting of the highlands, the parts 
remote from the river, and the lowlands or Tennessee Valley 
proper. From these highlands or barrens numerous creeks arise, 
and run, those on the north side of the river, south, and .those on 
the south side, north, into the Tennessee River. 

The soil on these highlands is silicious, and, with numerous 
creeks, affords good surface and subsoil drainage. The valley 
proper, however, which is more level, with a loamy soil, is not so 
well drained ; and here, too, as in the valleys of the central moun- 
tain region, though elevated 600 to 800 feet above sea level, we 
have the surroundings of lowlands, and, consequently, malarial 
fevers. 

Also, in this valley, as we shall see when we examine the mor- 
tality statistics, consumption prevails to a much greater extent 
than in the middle and southern parts of the State and to this 
factj coupled with the prevalence of malarial fever in the Tennes- 
see Valley, is due the higher rate of mortality in this section, as 
compared with other sections of the State. This will be more 
fully brought out when I speak. of mortality statistics. 



226 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



WATERSHEDS. 

Alabama, when viewed as a whole, forms an ascending plain, 
commencing at the sea level on the Gulf coast and rising in its 
northern and northeastern sections to an elevation of twelve to 
fifteen hundred feet. The Appalachian upheaval, while having a 
general southwest axis, in this State, had also a secondary west- 
ward axis, commencing on the west side of Sand Mountain, near 
Guntersville, in Marshall County, running west along the north- 
ern borders of Morgan and Lawrence, veering southwest into 
Franklin County. 

In Marshall County this ridge, or divide, which separates the 
State into its two watersheds — northern and southern — is about 
675 feet above the level of the surrounding country, and gradually 
diminishes in height to 275 feet in Franklin, and thence westward 
forms the undulating hills of northwest Mississippi, in which the 
headwaters of the Bigbee find their source. That portion of the 
State, about fifty miles wide, north of this divide, drained by the 
Tennessee River and its tributaries, is known as the Tennessee 
Basin, or Northern Watershed. 

The Tennessee River coming down the Sequatchie Valley from 
Tennessee, enters Alabama near its northeast corner and runs in a 
southwest direction along Brown's Valley (a continuation of the 
Sequatchie Valley) about fifty miles to Guntersville, where, meet- 
ing with the secondary westward upheaval above mentioned, it 
breaks through -the western escarpment of the valley, and thence 
runs in a northwesterly course diagonally through the Tennessee 
Basin, leaving the State a little South of its northwest corner. 
This basin is about fifty miles wide, and has numerous creeks both 
on the north and south of the river; those on the north running 
south, and those on the south running north into the Tennessee 
River. Those on the south side of the river rise in the divide 
(westward elevations,) while those on the north rise in the hills 
near the Tennessee line. 

All south of this divide is a truly-inclined plane, its water flow- 
ing into the Gulf. This is the great Southern Watershed of the 
State. It has, however, several subdivisions, marked by the rivers 
which pass through it to the Gulf, each one forming the axis of its 
own subordinate watershed. 

Commencing on the west we have the Bigbee River, entering 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



227 



the State near the southern boder of Pickens county, uniting with 
the Warrior at DemopoHs and thence running nearly south to its 
junction with the Alabama River. These two rivers, with their 
tributaries, drain all that part of the State south of the divide in' 
Morgan, Lawrence and Franklin counties, to Sand Mountain ow 
the east and in a southwesterly course with this mountain to the- 
divide between the Warrior and the Alabama Rivers. This, which^ 
we may call the western or Bigbee shed, drains about one-foartb 
of the State. 

The Alabama River, with its tributaries — the Cahaba, Coosa 
and Tallapoosa — drains all that portion of the State east of Sand 
]\Ioun'tain and the Warrior and Alabama divide, except a lew 
counties in the southeastern part. This is the central or xA^labama 
River water-shed. It drains all the central and northeastern part 
of the State. The remaining portion of the State, divided from 
this central shed by the Chunnenuggee ridge, is drained direct into 
the Gulf, through the Escambia, Conecuh, Yellow Water and 
Choctawhatchie Rivers. This is the southeastern shed, and drains 
the counties of Conecuh, Escambia, Butler, Crenshaw, Covington, 
Coffee, Pike, Barbour, Dale, Geneva and Henry, 

Thus it is seen we have two main sheds — Northern (Tennessee 
Basin) and Southern ; the latter divided into western, central and 
southeastern. 

DRAINAGE. 

The drainage of a given section depends upon the character of 
the surface elevations and undulations, and of the soils. It is 
characterized as surface and subsoil drainage. The latter has much 
to do with the healthfulness ol a region, as ground- water " is 
now known to exert an important influence in causing disease, 
especially consumption, as shown by the late distinguished sanita- 
rian. Dr. Bowditch, of Boston. 

The surface drainage of all the northern and central parts of the 
State is as complete as could be desired. It is traversed by many^ 
perennial creeks, which, from the hilly character of the surface,, 
have a rapid flow, and thus ponds, marshes, or lagoons do not 
form along their course. The subsoil drainage, however, is not so 
good in many places, especially in the valleys where the inhabi- 
tants of this region principally reside. Subsoil drainage is largely 
dependent upon the character of the soils, and hence a few words 



228 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



in regard to the nature of soils are necessary. Soils depend to a 
great degree upon the character of the rocks from which they 
are formed This northern portion of the State has quite a variety 
of geological formations on rocks, and the soils vary accordingly. 

Soils are generally divided into sandy, clayey, calcareous and 
alluvial. A combination of these gives the sandy loam (a mixture 
of sand and clay) and the calcareous loam (mixture of the calcare- 
ous and clay). The larger the proportion of sand in any of these 
the more porous it is, and hence better suited to subsoil drainage ; 
while, if mostly of clay, or a mixture of clay and the calcareous, 
we have a compact, close soil, through which water percolates at 
great disadvantage. The post-oak soil, which is almost wholly of 
clay, is a good type of the clay soil. The soils of the western por- 
tion o. the central region, derived from the sandrock of Sand moun- 
tain, or the orange sand of the drift period, are good specimens 
of a porous, sandy soil. In a portion of this central section (on its 
southwestern border in Lamar, Pickens, and Tuscaloosa counties) 
the sand is mixed with pebbles in the clay, underlaid by coarse 
gravel, which adds very much to its capacity for subsoil drainage. 
The beautiful city of Tuscaloosa is located on one of these pebbly 
drift deposits, and no place in this State, or in any part of the 
United States, has a more perfect subsoil drainage. To this fact 
is attributed in great part the well-deserved reputation this city has 
for healthfulness. 

The soil of that portion of the State on its eastern border, which 
I have called the red clay lands, derived from a granitic formation, 
is a good specimen of a mixed sand and clay soil (sandy loam). 
To this admixture of sand this section owes its good subsoil drain- 
age, and no doubt much of its healthfulness, which we shall see 
when we come to speak of the mortuary statistics ranks first, as 
compared with the other sections of the State. ' 

The soils of many of the valleys of the northern part of the State 
are calcareous, or calcareous loam. This character of soil is com- 
pact and little pervious to water, and hence the subsoil drainage of 
these valley sections is not good, and to this fact is no doubt due 
the prevalence of consumption in the northern and northeastern 
parts of the State. 

The surface drainage of the Prairie Belt is not so good as in the 
northern part of the State. The country is more level, the creeks 
have less fall, and in the river and creek bottoms are found occa- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



229 



sionally ponds or lagoons. The soil, too, is a calcareous loam 
(derived from the rotten limestone) and the subsoil drainage not 
complete. This, however, is relieved from its deleterious effects 
to some extent by the fact that this section of the country has in 
the summer and fall but little "ground-water." Throughout this 
section, in the late summer and fall, there is but little water above 
the underlying lime rock, so that cisterns dug in the rock to hold 
from 500 to 1,000 barrels of water are used instead of wells to 
supply water for family purposes. 

The drainage of the rem.aining portion of the State, the long- 
leaf pine lands, is good. Although the surface is level, ponds 
and marshes are rarely seen, and the decidedly sandy soils give to 
this section most excellent subsoil drainage. Here, as would be 
expected, we have but few malarial fevers, these being confined 
to the immediate river and creek bottoms, where the soil is allu- 
vial, and this section, with it balmy air and mild temperature, is 
remarkably free, as we shall see, from consumption. 

FLORA. 

From a sanitary point of view, we have more to do v/ith the 
amount than the specific character of the flora. While describing 
the physical features of the different sections, meagre reference 
was made to some of the species of trees and growth found in 
each. My object here will be to speak only of the amount of 
vegetable growth, and hence the amount of vegetable matter 
(leaves, twigs, and decaying timber) that is annually thrown upon 
the surface to decay, and the amount of vegetable mould laid up 
in the soils from this source. The decay of vegetable matter, 
under the influence of heat and moisture, is known to be a con- 
stant accompaniment of malarial fevers, and hence the pertinence 
of this inquiry. 

Alabama is comparatively a new State, and the time necessary 
for good sanitary regulations has not been afforded, or if time has 
been sufficient, the unorganized forces have not availed for the 
institution of proper means. Much of its surface is yet unculti- 
vated, and covered with primal forests. Almost the entire sandy 
pine region in the southern part of the State is covered with dense 
long-leaf pine forests. The alluvial bottoms of this section are 
still more densely covered with various kinds of trees, shrubs, and 
vines These annually throw down a large amount of vegetable 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



debris to decay upon the surface, and collect as vegetable mould' 
in the alluvial soils of the creek bottoms ; causing malarial fevers. 
But these bottoms form a very small proportion of the section, 
and hence exert no very material influence upon its sanitary char- 
acter. 

The Black Belt or prairie lands, just north of this section, and 
the red clay lands in the eastern part, were also at one time, 
densely covered with forest growth. For ages the vegetable 
debris from these forests had been accumulating and mixing with 
the calcareous, loamy and clay soils, which gave them their great 
fertility, and I may add, at the same time that it laid up fertility 
in the soils, it also accumulated abundantly thq elements of mala- 
rial fevers. This has, however, under the process of cultivation, 
much altered for the better. This region is one of the most impor- 
tant, both as to the number of its inhabitants, and as to its sani- 
tary history in the State. When the tide of emigration moved 
west from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia (1820 to 
1835), many bold and energetic men found homes in Alabama on 
these red clay lands, fertile prairie plains, and along the alluvial 
valleys of rivers and creeks. The forests, which were everywhere 
dense, fell, as if by magic, before this agricultural army, and vast 
amounts of decaying timber were left to rot in the summer sun. 
In a few years almost the entire country v/as brought under culti- 
vation. The surface was thus deprived of its protecting shade, 
and the soil loaded with vegetable matter upturned by the plow 
was exposed to the influence of air and the sun. The little creeks 
and branches too, v/hich were often made the receptacle for the 
brush and undergrowth cut from their borders, were clogged, and 
the channels thus obstructed, soon filled with mud and debris from 
the hillsides of the neighboring fields. As the summer waned, 
and the autumn approached, these foul streams ceased to flow, 
and pools of stagnant water marked the course of their channels. 
Nothing more need be added. Here were the hotbeds of disease 
and death, and many a stalwart frame fell a victim to their influ- 
ence. The country from August to November was one wide field 
of malarial fever. The old and the young alike were its victims. 
With a reckless disregard for sanitary precautions, these bold 
pioneers rushed on through the carnal house of death, seeking 
wealth in the growth of the fleecy fiber ; and, as was natural, the 
cry went throughout the land, " it is the house of death, ^' and 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



231 



Alabama became the synonym of unhealthfulness. Ague, chills, 
remittent and congestive fever became, justly, the scarecrow in 
regard to Alabama, and to this day, there are many who believe 
that the same reign of death and disease continues in this region. 
But this is not true. There was but one cause for this state of 
health, \Az : A vast accumulation of vegetable matter in the soil, 
and another greater amount added to this in the decaying timber 
which fell before the agriculturist's axe. But this is entirely 
-changed. From necessity, the creeks have ceased to be the recep- 
tacle of timber, their channels have been cleaned out, the low 
places ditched, the decaying timber has disappeared, and the soil 
lias been by cultivation, deprived of its vegetable mould ; in a 
word, the entire sanitary surroundings have been changed ; and 
to day, while intermittent and remittent fevers still linger in places, 
as reminders of the past, they are no longer dreaded and feared by 
the people of this region. With the exception of a few places, 
unfavorably located for drainage, it is as healthful as most agricul- 
tural regions on the same parallels of latitude. 

And here, as malarial fever has been held up, and is still pointed 
to as a drawback to this section, Tmay be permitted to point out 
some facts in connection with its prevalence elsewhere in the 
United States. The idea prevails very generally that this is a dis- 
ease of the South. Let us see if this is true. The following fig- 
ures, taken from the census of 1880, will show this idea up in a 
different light. 

From a map by Dr. J. S. Billings, of Washington, D. C, com- 
piled from census of 1880, showing the distribution and preva- 
lence of malarial fever, I have taken the following data. The fig- 
ures represent the number of deaths from malarial levers, as com- 
pared with total deaths from all causes:. 

North Carolina — Eastern part, 70 and over to 1,000; western 
part, 30 to 50; Virginia, eastern part, 10 to 30; Maryland, 10 to 
30; New Jersey, 10 to 30; Connecticut, 10 to 30; Massachusetts, 
10 to 30 ; Missouri and Kansas, 50 to 70 ; Illinois (southern part), 
10 to 30; Iowa, 10 to 30; Oregon, 10 to 30; Washington Terri- 
tory. 10 to 30 ; Montana and Dakota, 50 to 70. (See map No. i.) 

This shows that malarial fever prevails to a considerable extent 
in every part of the United States, and is by no means peculiar to 
southern latitudes. We find it in the East, in Connecticut and 
Massachusetts, in the West in Illinois and Iowa, and in the extreme 



232 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Northwest, on the Pacific slope^ in Washington Territory and Ore- 
gon, and in Montana and Dakota, among the peaks and valleys of 
the Rocky Mountains. 

It is not denied that it prevails to a greater extent in the South 
than in the East, West and Northwest, yet we still find, when it 
comes to an examination of mortality statistics, that other diseases, 
such as cancer, diphtheria, pneumonia and consumption in these 
other States, more than make up for the greater amount of malarial 
fever in the South. 

The central m^ountainous region and the Tennessee Basin, except 
the immediate valley of the Tennesse River, were also densely 
covered with forests. The land adjacent to the Tennessee, in its 
flora and agricultural characteristics, resembles very nearly the red- 
clay lands and the Prairie Belt, and the remarks made upon those 
sections will apply to this. A large part of this region, espec- 
ially among the mountain ranges, is not well suited to agricultural 
purposes, and much of it still retains its primal forests. From 
these forests a large amount of vegetable matter is collected in the 
valleys, and here we find the mountain malarial, or continued ma- 
larial fever, which in many of its features resembles typhoid fever, 

CLIMATIC INFLUENCES. 

' ' The most potent influences which determine climate are lati- 
tude, elevation above tide, configuration of mountain ranges, prox- 
imity of the sea, and direction of prevailing winds," (Dr. Smith's- 
Agricultural Report.) 

All of these are brought into requisition in determining the 
climate of Alabama. 

It is evident that Alabama must have a varied climate, since it 
extends over four and a half degrees of latitude, from the Gulf 
coast (lat. 30° 35'), to 35° at the Tennessee line. It has aiso a 
varied altitude, from the level of the sea on the Gulf coast, ta 
2, 500 feet, on its northeastern border. These mountains in the 
northeastern part extending southwest to the center of the State, 
by their configuration impress the directions of the winds, and 
determine also in this part of the State the precipitation or rain- 
fall, while on the south the warm waters of the Gulf send their 
balmy air as far as the middle of the State ; and on the soatheast 
the Gulf stream is near enough to lend its influences to this vari- 



No. I — Kindly furnished by Dr. J. S. Billings, Washington, D. 




234 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



€ty. Few sections of country have such varied cHmatic influence, 
and none a greater variety of cHmate. 

TEMPERATURE. 

The temperature of Alabama has received careful investigation 
from Dr. E. A. Smith, State Geologist, and much of what follows 
is condensed from his Agricultural Report of 1883. 

"The extremes of temperature," says he, "are comparatively 
rare, and the^^extremes of heat during the summer months are 
especially moderated by the tempering winds from the Gulf of 
Mexico ; while in those parts of the State most remote from the 
Gulf, their elevation above sea-level secures immunity from exces- 
sive heat." 

Thus, it will be seen, in the almost semi-tropical climate of the 
southern part, we are protected from excessive heat by the balmy 
air of the Gulf, while'^in the northern part we are protected from 
extremes of heat by the altitude. The mean annual temperature 
of the State is 64.58° F. The mean temperature for the seasons 
is as follows: Spring, 63.9°; summer, 79.$°; autum.n, 64.5°; 
winter, 54.4°. From daily observations kept by me at Livings- 
ton, lat. 32°, 35^ for sixteen years, from 1855 to 1870, the 
mean temperature^for the sixteen years is 63.64° F. This corres- 
ponds very nearly with the figures (64.58°) g.iven by Dr. Smith 
for the mean annuaUtemperature of the State. 

The aggregate mean maximum for this period of sixteen years 
was 74.66°. The aggregate mean minimum, 49.55°. This gives 
a mean range of only 25.11°. The aggregate mean of sixteen 
winters was 47.40°. The mean of coldest winter (1855-6), 40.22°; 
the mean of warmest winter (1861-2), 54.23°. These figures cor- 
roborate the remark that "extremes of temperature are compara- 
tively rare. " 

The following table gives the mean temperature of each of the 
sixteen winters (at Livingston,) the lowest point of the thermome- 
ter each winter, the aggregate temperature lor the sixteen winters, 
and the first frost of autumn. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



WINTERS. 


MEAN OF WINTERS 


MINIMUM OF 
THERMOMETER. 


FIRST FROST 
OF AUTUMN. 


1854-5 


42.30 


16° 


above zero. 






1855-6 


40.22 


6° 


u 


u 


Oct. 6. 


1856-7 


46.18 


10° 


(( 


u 


Sept. 25. 


1857-8 


49.17 


22* 


u 


u 


Oct. 21. 


1858-9 


51. «2 


17^ 




( I 


u 


15. 


1859-60 


41.74 


12® 


u 


li 


n 


n. 


1860-1 


43.01 


20'' 


u 






13. 


1861-2 


54.23 


27° 


u 




u 


24. 


1862-3 


49.79 


22° 


( ( 


u 


LI 


26. 


1863-4 


45.24 


16° 


u 


11 


il 


8. 


1864-5 


46.57 


18° 


u 




U 


10. 


186-5-6 


48.45 


12° 




u 


U 


28. 


1866-7 


49.38 


22° 




i( 


li. 


24. 


1867-8 


50.80 


16" 


11 




11 


31. 


1868-9 


48.90 


17° 


u 




Nov. 2. 


1869-70 


50.70 


24° 


(( 


u 


Oct. 15. 


AGGREGATE MEAN. 


47.40 







The isothermal curves are deflected northward by the Bigbee 
and Coosa Valleys, and southward by the mountain ranges so that 
these curves pass across the State not parallel with the parallels of 
latitude, going north of the line in the valleys and south of it in 
the mountain regions. In the absence of maps showing, these 
curves, I will describe them as well as I can, as laid down on the 
maps, which are compiled from the data of the Smithsonian Insti- 
tute by Dr. E. A. Smith. 

The mean isothermal line of winter (52°) commences on the 
west border of the State near the lower line of Washington coun- 
ty (Lat. 31°, 15'), and going east, ascends slightly as it crosses 
the valley of the Bigbee and Alabama Rivers (Lat. 31°, 25^), and 
then descends gently until it passes out of the State near the south- 
west corner of Covington county, (Lat. 31°.) The curve of 48® 
enters the State on the west at the line between Sumter and Choc- 
taw counties (Lat. 32°, 20') and ascends rapidly at an angle of 25® 
through Sumter, Marengo and Perry, to the village of Clanton in 
Chilton county (Lat. 32°, 50'), and thence turns rather abruptly 
south at an angle of 40° to Tuskegee, (Lat. 32°, 22'), and thence a 
little north of east to the Georgia line at the northeast corner of 
Russell county, (Lat. 32°, 30'.) 

These two curves are south of the elevated part of the State, and, 
being but little influenced by altitude, or configuration of the moun- 
tain ranges, run in lines somewhat approximating the lines of the 



236 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



parallels of latitude. The isothermal curve of 44° F. is more irreg- 
ular in its course, being deflected sharply northward by the Coosa 
Valley and southward by the mountain ranges. 

It enters the State on the west at the line separating Colbert 
and Franklin counties (Lat. 34°, 30'), and runs in a northeasterly 
direction across Colbert and Lauderdale to the Tennessee line 
(Lat. 35°), and then curving almost directly back, runs southwest 
through the counties of Limestone, Lawrence, northwest corner 
of Winston, and southeast corner of Marion to Fayetteville (Lat. 
33°, 40^) in Fayette county, where it turns in a southwesterly 
direction to Tuscaloosa (Lat. 33°, 12'), thence a little south of 
east to the line of Bibb county (33°, 10'), where it again turns 
northeast through Bibb and Shelby into St. Clair (33°, 30'), and 
thence southeast to Talladega, thence southeast through Clay and 
the northeat corner of Tallapoosa to the line of Chambers, and 
thence east through the center of this county to the Georgia line^ 
Lat. 32°, 55^ 

This line, as is seen, is very irregular in its course, running 
northeast across the valley of the Tennessee to the Tennessee line, 
thence deflected south by the mountains to Fayetteville (Lat. 33°, 
40^),' thence again north by the Coosa Valley to Lat. 33°, 30^ and 
thence south by the highlands east of this valley to the Georgia 
hne in Lat. 32°, 55. 

The irregular manner in which these curves run shows plainly 
the influence of the valleys and mountains upon temperature, and 
emphasizes the features which give such a great variety to the 
climate of Alabama. These are mean curves of winter. With 
the view of further illustrating this subject, I will give one mean 
isothermal curve of summer. The mean curve of 80° F. of sum- 
mer enters the State on the west in Sumter county nearly oppo- 
site to Livingston (Lat. 32°, 35') and runs northeast through 
Sumter, Greene, and Pickens to Tuscaloosa (Lat. 33°, 12'), and 
then almost directly south through Tuscaloosa, Hale, and Marengo 
to Lat. 32° 30^ and thence southeast through southern part of 
Dallas, corner of Lowndes, northeast corner of Butler, and centers 
of Crenshaw, Coffee, and Geneva to the Florida line (31°). Here 
we see this line is first deflected sharply north by the influence of 
the mountains to Tuscaloosa, and thence by the Alabama Valley 
and the tempering winds of the Gulf, it is carried nearly two 
degrees south to the Florida line in Geneva county. Here we 



ALABAMA x\S IT IS. 



have the same modifying influence (proximity of the Gulf) temper- 
ing the cold of winter and amehorating the heat of summer, so as 
to prevent extremes in either season. This curve of 80° is very 
near the mean temperature of summer (79,5°). The mean annual 
temperature of the State is 64 58°. Let us then trace the mean 
annual curve of 64°, which nearly corresponds with this. The 
mean annual curve of 64° commences on the west line of the State 
in Sumter at Lat. 32.30°, very nearly at the same point at which 
the mean summer curve of 80° commenced. In fact, these lines 
taken from the data of the Smithsonian Institute, and the obser- 
vations made by me at Livingston, show this place to be not only 
in point of latitude near the middle of the State, but also the point 
of the mean annual and mean summer temperature. This curve 
runs nearly due east eighty miles to Prattville in Autauga county, 
and thence southwest through Montgomery county to a little south 
of Troy (Lat. 31°, iS'), and thence north of east to the Georgia 
line (Lat. 31°, 42') in Barbour county, 

Here it will be noted that this annual curve as it nears the Geor- 
gia line turns a little north of its most southern point at Troy. 
This is due to the influence of the cold winter winds blowing down 
the valleys in the eastern part of the State. These winds do not 
prevail during the summer, and hence the summer curve (80°) 
continues in its southwestern course until it passes out of the State 
on the Florida line. 

At the risk of being tedious, I have given these details to show 
the influence of the causes mentioned at the head of this section 
upon the temperature of Alabama, and also as a means of point- 
ing out the great variety of its climate. 

RAINFALL AND ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE. 

The area and amount of rainfall are so concisely stated by Dr. 
Smith, that I will take the liberty of quoting liberally from him : 

**An annual precipitate of fifty-six inches and upward falls 
within a belt narrowest in the middle and widening out at both 
ends, and crossing the State diagonally from the southwestern to 
the northeastern corner." This belt is about fifty-five miles wide 
in the center, on a line passing through Perry and Autauga coun- 
ties, 100 miles over the northeastern part, through Marshall, 
Etowah, and Cherokee, and 125 miles at its southwestern part, 
through Washington, Clark, Monroe, Conecuh, and Covington. 



238 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



"In the lower part of this belt, an area including Mobile and 
Baldwin, and parts of Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Wilcox, Dal- 
las, Lownds, Butler, Conecuh, and Escambia counties, receives 
an annual rainfall of sixty-two inches and upward, reaching a maxi- 
mum of sixty-four inches at Mount Vernon. Eastward of the 
maximum belt the amount of annual rainfall decreases, being 
between forty-four and fifty-six inches over the southeastern part 
of the State, and westward of the main belt between fifty and fifty- 
six inches." 

The average rainfall for the entire State is 55.04 inches, and of 
this 13.86 inches fall during the spring months, 14.07 inches during 
the summer, 14. 70 during the autumn, and 16. 37 during the winter. 
''During the winter months (December, January, and February) 
we find the area of maximum rainfall running along the western 
border of the State within thirty miles of the Mississippi line, 
except where a branch is thrown off, including parts of Dallas, 
Wilcox, Lowndes, Montgomery, Butler, Crenshaw, Pike, and 
Bullock counties, and another deflection toward the east in the 
Tennessee valley, including parts of Lawrence, Limestone, and 
Madison counties.'^ In this area the winter rainfall is from six- 
teen to eighteen inches, and over the rest of the State from twelve 
to sixteen inches, except a strip along the eastern border of the 
State below Chambers, where it falls below twelve inches. 

''During the sumimer months (June, July, and August) the 
greatest amount of rain falls south of a line running from the 
southwestern part of Choctaw county to the upper line of Dallas, 
and thence, southward, to the southeastern part of the State in 
Henry county. Within the area thus outlined the rainfall is four- 
teen inches and upward, increasing to eighteen inches and more in 
Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Clarke, Monroe, Butler, Conecuh, 
Escambia, and Covington counties." 

Over the rest of the State the summer rainfall is below fourteen 
inches, except a small area in Limestone, Lauderdale, and Madi- 
son, in the Tennessee valley. 

The belt of maximum mean annual rainfall described above 
extends across the State diagonally from its southwest to its north- 
east corner. We can readily account for the maximum in the 
southwestern portion of this belt as high as to Wilcox and to 
Lowndes counties. The warm air of the Gulf surcharged with 
moisture meets the cooler currents of the northeast winds (directed 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



hj the axes of the mountain ranges in the northeastern part of the 
State) and readily gives up its moisture as rain. 

But in the northeastern mountain section, where this maximum 
rain belt still extends, the factors are changed. Here the moist air 
from the Atlantic wafted over the eastern part of the State by the 
southeast winds of spring and autumn is brought into contact with 
the cooler air of this mountain section and precipitation occurs. 

The same train of influences will account for the change of area 
of rainfall in the winter. In winter, as stated above, the area of 
maximum rainfall commences about thirty ro forty miles from the 
Gulf coast and extends up the western border of the State in a belt 
about thirty miles wide, with an increase in width just below the 
center of the State, including Dallas, Lowndes, and Crenshaw 
counties. This precipitation, as far north as Marengo and Sumter 
counties, is evidently the result of the warm, moist air of the 
Gulf immediately south of these localities, meeting with the cooler 
currents of the north winds. The deflection eastward into Dallas, 
Lowndes and Crenshaw is the result of the warm air meeting with 
the cooler air of the Chunnenuggee ridge, which exactly marks the 
axis of the eastward deflection As this rain belt extends up the 
western border of the State, it is indented on its eastern line, 
making the narrowest part of the belt in Pickens county. It then 
continues up the western border of the State to the Tennessee 
Valley, where it is deflected eastward along this \ alley to the 
mountains in Jackson county. Here the moist air of the Gulf 
south of JMississippi and Louisiana, passing over these States into 
the western part of Alabama, meets with the cooler north winds 
of the mountain regions, deflected southwest by the mountains, 
and the line of precipitation is carried westward, forming the inden- 
tation in the belt in Pickens county. Above this, in Lamar, 
Marion, and the southern part of Franklin, the moist current is 
somewhat protected from the cool air by the mountains on the 
northeast, and the rain area regains its original width of thirty 
miles, and continues up to the Tennessee Valley, where it is de- 
flected up this valley to the colder air line of the mountains on 
the east of this valley. 

In the summer months the area of moist air is confined to the 
southern part of the State, below the parallel of the thirty-second 
degree of latitude ; while in the spring and fall the air of the cen- 
tral region, and the eastern part of the State, is frequently ren- 



240 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



dered moist by the east winds, wiiich, in these seasons, blow from 
the Atlantic. 

Prevailing wintis have much to do with the moisture of the air. 
The most constantly prevailing winds of Alabama are the south 
and the north winds. The south winds prevail most of the time 
from May to November, and the north winds from November to 
May. But while the winds are generally south or north, as indi- 
cated above, they are quite changeable in March and April, and 
they are also subject to periodic changes which correspond with 
the warm spells of winter and cool spells of summer, blowing 
from the south during the former, and from the north during the 
latter. Also, at intervals during the entire year, but especially 
in spring, the wind is from the east, at which times we have those 
long, slow rains known as east rains. These are from the Atlantic. 

The moisture of these different winds depend upon their direc- 
tion. The south wind from the Gulf and east wind from the Atlan- 
tic are moist, while the north and northwest winds are dry. There is 
occasionally a notable exception to this in the south winds. This 
occurs usually when the thermometer is high and the wind gentle. 
Thus the month of July, i860, which was the warmest month in 
the sixteen years in which I made at this point meteorological 
observations, the thermometer on two days reached 102° Fahren- 
heit. During this month the wind was steadily south, and yet the 
hygrometric condition of the air was the lowest reached for the 
series of sixteen years, and the rainfall only 1.58 inches; nearly 
all of this on the 30th of the month. 

The areas of dry atmospheres are determined by these prevail- 
ing winds. In the southern part of the State, as far north as 
Chunnenuggee Ridge, we have a moist air, both winter and sum- 
mer. Above this, in the prairie region, and the red clay lands of 
East Alabama we have a dry atmosphere, except during the prev- 
alence of the east winds from the Atlantic. In the central moun- 
tain regions we have a dry air during the winter and most of the 
summer. In the spring and fall it is more moist from the greater 
prevalence of the moist east winds during these seasons. 

Whether, then, we consider the climate of Alabama in regard 
to its temperature, rainfall or atmospheric moisture, we find it in- 
fluenced by its mountains, its proximity to the Gulf and Atlantic, 
and its prevailing winds. These influences are such as to cause 
the greatest variety, and at the same time prevent extremes. 



^ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



241 



MORTALITY STATISTICS. 

I have, with a good degree of detail, yet in a very cursory man- 
ner, given the facts in regard to the topography and cHmate of 
Alabama. It remains to make some general remarks in applica- 
tion of these facts to the subject before us. In continuation of the 
design of this paper, which is to give data for the formation of 
opinions, rather than the mere expression of opinions, I shall 
give, as far as I can, the data derived from mortality statistics, for 
the formation of correct conclusions. 

In order to do this, I have collated from the Report of the Board 
of Health of Alabama, 1884, and from the census of the United 
States, 1880, data which will enable us to compare the different 
sections of the State with each other, and the State with other 
States of the Union. 

Deaths per 1,000 of population in each section of the State:: 
Section i. Pine Lands, Southern Alabama, 13.10. Section 2,, 
Prairie Belt, Middle Alabama, 14.46. Section 3, Red Clay Lands,. 
East Alabama, 12.27. Section 4, Central Mountainous, 14.30.. 
Section 5, Tennessee Basin, 16.13. 

These figures have been corrected so as to correspond with the 
rate per 1,000 of population (14.20) given as the death rate of 
Alabama by the census of 1880. 

According to these figures, we find that No. 3 stands first in 
point of healthfulness ; No. i, second; No. 4, third; No. 2^ 
fourth; No. 5, fifth. 

The following table gives the annual death rate per l,ooo of 
population (census, 1880) of the States named, of the United 
States, and rate per 1,000 of colored population: 





TOTAL. 


COLORED. 




15.09 






14.20 


16.06 




14.74 


19.74 




15.09 


19.29 




23.60 


32.61 




15.78 


25.40 




14.39 ■ 


19.75 


Maryland 


18.10 


21.48 




18.59 


20.12 




16.89 


20.79 




16.33 


18.86 




17.38 


22.28 




15.39 


17.79 




17.00 


27.68 




16.80 


21.74 


Virginia 


16.82 


19.34 



242 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



It is seen from this table that the rate of deaths in Alabama is 
less than the aggregate of the United States, and also less than 
any one of the States named. Also, by a comparison qf the total 
and the colored rates, it is seen that the colored death rate is, in 
every instance, greater than that of the total rate, which would 
make the difference greater between the white and colored than 
appears in these figures. The white rate as given for Alabama is 
12.58; colored, 16.06. Virginia, 14.01; colored, 19.34. New 
Jersey, 16.20; colored, 18.86. New York, 17.33; colored, 22. 28. 

It may be said that the census among the colored was more 
imperfect than among the whites. The same care was taken to 
reach them as the whites ; and why should the negro, when ques- 
tioned on this point, not remember the deaths in his family as well 
as the white man ? In fact, we find the ratio of deaths in every 
instance is greater among the colored than the whites. This 
increased death rate among the colored race puts those States 
which have a large colored population, such as Alabama, Tennes- 
see, and Virginia, at a disadvantage when their total death rate is 
compared with those which have a smaller colored population. 
So, that if it be true that there is a deficiency in the enumeration 
of the blacks, this deficiency is more than counterbalanced in a 
comparison between the Southern and the Northern States by the 
increased death rate in the large colored population of the former. 
We have every reason to believe, from these figures, that the 
chances for life are better in Alabama than in the other States 
named in this table. 

The reasons for this will appear more plainly by the following 
comparison of certain general diseases which prevail in every part 
of the United States. I have selected for this purpose, Malarial 
Fever, Typhoid Fever, Consumption, Pneumonia, Diphtheria and 
Cancer. These six diseases are more generally prevalent than any 
others. In the United States, in 1879-80, according to the census 
of 1880, from all causes there were 756,893 deaths, or 15.09 per 
t,ooo. Frorti the six diseases above named, there were, for the 
same time, 248,619 deaths, or 4.95 per 1,000 of population ; or 
328. to every 1,000 deaths in the United States. Thus it is seen 
that nearly one-third of the total number of deaths was from these 
six diseases. 

In Alabama there were from all diseases 1 7,929 deaths, or 14.20 
per 1,000 of population. From the six diseases above mentioned 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



there were in Alabama 6,274, or 4.96 per 1,000 of population ; or 
344. deaths per 1,000 of all diseases in the State. This gives you 
a fraction over one-third of the deaths by all diseases. 

I have selected New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, for a 
comparison with Alabama, based upon these six diseases. In these 
three States the rate per 1,000 of all deaths is less than in Ala- 
bama, which is to the disadvantage of the last-named State in the 
comparison ; and yet when we compare the rate per 1,000 of popu- 
lation of these six diseases in Alabama with the rate of the same 
diseases for the United States, and for the other three States, we 
find but very little difference, showing that the larger rate from 
malarial fevers in Alabama is very nearly counterbalanced by the 
greater prevalence of the remaining five diseases in the entire 
United States, and also in the States of New York, New Jersey 
and Connecticut. And, if this comparison is extended to all dis- 
eases, this excess is more than counterbalanced, as shown by the 
table on a preceding page. 

The rate of malarial fever (1.04) in Alabama, is high, as com- 
pared with the other States named, but there compensating factors. 
This is evident, when we compare the rate of consumtion in Ala- 
bama (1.30), with that of New York (2.01), Connecticut (2.02), 
and New Jersey (1.86). 

So, also, with typhoid fever, Alabama, 0.23; New York, 0.29; 
Connecticut, 0.32, and New Jersey, 0.22. Here Alabama has the 
advantage, except in New Jersey which is nearly the same. 

So, again with dip theria, United States, 0.76; Alabama, o. 18 ; 
New York, 0.81; New Jersey, 0.32; Connecticut, 0.36. Here 
Alabama has largely the advantages of the other States. 



244 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



CONNECTICUT. 






00 
cq 


-ndo-T JO 000 't J9d oi^vr 


0.34 
0.32 
2.02 
1.25 
0.36 
0.42 


4.93 


•sasBOSTQ; xig oq^ jo 
q0E8 joj sq^BOQ jo 'o^ 


t— ( OS CM 

CO 10 LO 00 
1— 1 1— 1 1— 1 CO T—i cq 


2,550 


NEW JERSEY. 


-QT/T TT'P TO AAa't TAff PITlfXT 







•UOT^^I 

-ndoj" 10 000 't .T9d 


0.23 
0.22 
1.86 
1.05 
0.32 
0.32 


3.59 


•saseasTd XTQ aq^ jo 
qoB8 joj sq:^Ea(j jo 'o^ 


cq CO 10 1—1 10 

^ 1> 10 Cq LO LO 

T-H »-i 00 cq cq 


2,810 


NEW YORK. 


-QT/T Ttl3 Tr» AAa't Tafl aTP'XT 




l-H 


•noT^-Bx 
-ndoj 10 000' T jad ai'B'vr 


0.15 
0.29 
2.01 
1.03 
0.81 
0.88 


4.57 


'sasBasTQ xiQ aq^ jo 
qoBa JOj sqc^BaQ jo 'on;]; 


436 
844 
5,799 
2,951 
2,324 
1,090 


13, 144 


ALABAMA. 


•sasBa 

-C!T/T TTf TA AAa't TarT aTl"\T 




CO 


-Tidoj 10 000 't jad aiB'vr 


1.04 
0.23 
1.30 
1.40 
0.18 
0.16 


4.31 


•sasBasT(j xig aq(^ jo 
qoBa 10} sqg^BaQ jo -ojsj 


1,317 
976 
1,700 
1,748 
231 
202 


6,274 




•noT^'ex 
-ndoj JO 000' I Jed'a'^^y; 


0.47 
0.51 
2.10 
1.47 
0.76 
0.25 


4.95 


•sasBasTQ xTg aq(^ jo 
qoBa JOJ sq^BaQ jo •ojsj 


20,231 
22,854 
91,270 
63,053 
38,143 
13,068 


248,619 






Malarial Fevers .... 
Typhoid Fevers .... 

Consumption 

Pneumonia 

Diphtheria 


Totals 



Map No. 2 — Kindly furnished by Dr. J. S. Billings, Washington, D. C. 




Map No. 4 — Kindly furnished by Dr. J. S. Billings, Washington, D. C. 




248 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Dr. J. S. Billings, of the U. S. A., located at Washington, has 
collated from the census of 1880, some very interesting data upon 
the mortality of the United States. In his address before the 
British Medical Association, August, 1886, he exhibited the 
results in maps, shaded so as to represent the relative mortality 
by certain diseases in different parts of the United States. These 
maps are portioned off by six different shades, according to the prev- 
alence of the disease represented, the rate per thousand of all 
diseases being indicated by the shading. One of these maps, No. 
4, shows ' ' the distribution of deaths from cancer, as compared 
with the total deaths from all known causes." In these six divis- 
ions, the lowest has under 10 per 1,000, and the highest 35 and 
over per 1,000. In this map, Alabama is placed in the second 
lowest grade, or 10 to 15 to 1,000. 

Another map, No. 2, shows the distxibution of consumption, 
the grades ranging from 75 to 175 and over per 1,000. Here, all 
Alabama, except in the northeastern mountain region, and the 
Tennessee Basin, is represented in the lowest grade, under 75 per 
1,000; and the excepted part is only in the fourth grade, or 125 
to 150 per 1,000 

The pine regions of Alabama have ever been regarded as well 
suited to consumptives. On the map referred to. Dr. Billings 
ranks this part of Alabama as superior to Florida. The map 
shows in this part of Alabama, 50 to 75, and in Florida, 75 to 
100 per 1,000. 

All the eastern and middle States, many of the western States, 
and most of California, show from 150 to 175 per 1,000. 

Dr. Billings has also represented on another map, No. 3, the dis- 
tribution of pneumonia. On this map, Alabama ranks in the third 
grade, 100 to 125 per 1,000, except in the northeastern part, where 
it ranks in the second grade, 75 to 100 per 1,000. This latter is 
the portion of Alabama where consumption prevails to a greater 
extent than in other parts of the State. These maps, not only in 
Alabama, but in every section of the country, represent apparent 
antagonism between pneumonia and consumption ; or where one 
prevails the other is rare. 

This is miarkedly set out in a mountain region of country on the 
upper Colorado River, divided into two parts by this river. Here, 
on the east side of the river, consumption prevails to the extent 
of 125 to 150 per 1,000, and on the west side only 75 per 1,000. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 249 



But on the other hand, on the east side of this river, in the same 
locaHty, pneumonia prevails only to the extent of lOO to 125 per 
1,000, while on the west side it prevails to the extent of 175 and 
over, per 1,000. (Compare Maps 2 and 3). A similar antago- 
nism, is by some supposed to exist between malarial fever and 
consumption, but here as in the case of pneumonia and consump- 
tion, the apparent antagonism is rather to be sought in the sani- 
tary environments in their relation to the two diseases, than in 
any antagonism of the diseases themselves. But though there 
may not exist any antagonism between the different diseases, yet 
it is evident from what has gone before, that there are often com- 
pensating factors in the sanitary history of one section as compared 
with another. While in one locality or State, a given disease may 
prevail to a greater extent than in another, the compensating 
environments will balance the mortality accounts, so as to make 
them equal in the two localities. 

This is the idea intended to be set out in this paper. While it 
is not denied that malarial fever prevails in Alabama to a greater 
extent than in some other States, we have seen that it is not pecu- 
liar to Alabama and other Southern States, but prevails to some 
extent in every part of the Union. We have found it on the 
Atlantic coast, in New Jersey and Connecticut, the Pacific slope, 
in California, Oregon, and Washington Territory, and among the 
peaks of the Rocky Mountains, in Wyoming and Idaho. (See 
Map No. i). Not only this, we find that the topographical and 
climatic influences which engender this disease are unfavorable to 
the prevalence of consumption and diptheria, and hence, these 
latter diseases are very prevalent in the States where malarial fever 
is less prevalent. 

These compensating influences balance the account between the 
two, and I believe any fair mind, which will examine the data here 
presented, will be forced to this conclusion. 

I have already given facts to show that the deleterious influences 
of the prairie region have been much changed for the better, and 
its sanitary condition thereby improved. The increased regard 
for the importance of sanitary precaution, which is being rapidly 
developed through the efforts of the Medical Association of the 
State of Alabama, stamps the motto of this association, 7ion etiam 
speravimus niehora, as applicable, not only to the progress of medi- 
cal science, but also to the future sanitary condition ot the State. 



250 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



In this connection it is well to say a few words in regard to the 
organization of the 

MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF ALABAMA. 

This society has been in existence since the year 1847 ) but was 
reorganized by the adoption of a new constitution in 1873. 

Under the constitution, the association consists of two classes of 
members, viz: one hundred counselors, or permanent members, and 
two delegates from each county society. In February, 1875, the 
"^legislature passed an act, by which the Medical Association of the 
State is created the Board of Health of the State of Alabama, and 
the county medical societies, the Boards of Health for their respec- 
tive counties. 

The State Board of Health has its board of censors, consisting 
of ten members, which is also the committee of health. The 
county boards have also their committee of health, with an execu- 
tive health officer for their respective counties. Thus, it will be 
seen, the Board of Health ramifies into every county, with the 
central board, directing and controlling all. To these boards of 
health, State and county, are entrusted all the sanitary interests ot 
the State. 

By this means the sanitary legislation of the State is placed, 
where it should be, under the control of the doctors of the State. 
Feeling the responsibility that rests upon them, they are working 
energetically and systematically, to educate the people up to a 
proper appreciation of health and the means of securing it ; and 
they hope soon to make Alabama, what her sanitary environments 
warrant, one of the healthiest States in the Union. 

A word in regard to the 

MINERAL WATERS 

Of the State, as adjuncts to its healthfulnes^, and I shall close this 
paper, which has already grown to a much greater length than was 
intended. Mineral waters have ever been held in high esteem as 
curative elements ; both by the profession and by the people. And 
no doubt many of them possess healing properties of great value, 
particularly in chronic affections, where we seek to restore health 
through an alterative process, and to build up those worn down by- 
over work and disease through the nutritive system ; and thereby 
give fat and blood to these weary ones. Mineral waters, then, are 
important factors in the healthfulness of a State. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



251 



Alabama is fortunate in having quite a number of mineral waters 
of sufficient variety to be suited to a large class of diseases. 

These waters may be divided in four varieties, viz : sulphur, acid 
or vichey, chalybeate, and saline. 

The larger proportion of the waters of the State belongs to the 
class of sulphur waters. To this class belongs Bladon Springs,. 
Choctaw county; Blount Springs, Blount county ; Jackson's Springs 
Clarke county ; Shelby Springs, Shelby county ; Telladega Springs, 
Talladega county ; St. Clair Springs, St. Clair county. Others 
might be added to the list, but these are representative. Of these 
Bladon, Blount and St. Clair are most noted. 

Bladon Sulphur is situated in Choctaw county, in the pine region 
of the State, and in addition to its virtues as a medicinal water 
has the adt^antage of that healthy pine country, the characteristics 
of which have already been pointed out. At the same place is 
also located the Bladon Vichey, so that one may have the choice 
of the two ; and near by (two miles), is Cullum' s Soda, Sulphur. 
This latter has a large quantity of carbonate of soda, and is well 
suited to dyspepsia, and the acid variety. All of them have car- 
bonic acid, and one of them, the Bladon Vichey, has no cubic 
inches to the gallon. Healing Spring, in the same county, is a 
chalybeate water. I have not seen an analysis, but have good 
reason to believe it a carbonate, held rather as a mechanical mix- 
ture, than in chemical solution. The water, on tests, gives very 
little indication of iron, yet the carbonate of iron is deposited from 
it around the spring in very large quantities, so much so that it is 
gathered, dried and used as a medicine by the visitors. This de- 
posit is in the form of an impalpable powder, and no doubt pos- 
sesses, to a great extent, the virtues of the water. The water is 
cool and pleasant to the taste, and has a notable quantity of car- 
bonic acid, which constantly bubbles from the surface. This 
renders it a light water, and visitors drink it in large quantities 
without a feeling of fullness of the stomach. Thus used, it act 
freely (perhaps mechanically) upon the kidneys, and is gaining 
considerable reputation for the cure of albuminuria. 

This county (Choctaw) also produces the now somewhat noted 
acid iron earth. This is produced by lixiviation of the earth in 
rude hoppers. It is a watery solution of sulphate of iron with 
^ probably crenic and hypocrenic acids in small quantity. It, how- 



252 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



-ever, owes what virtue it has to the sulphate of iron, and being 
a watery solution, I have here spoken of it as a mineral water. 

Nearly akin to this in properties is McQalV s Well, near Green- 
ville, Butler county. 

This well is a new candidate for the suffrages of the class ot 
invalids who annually visit watering places, and will no doubt 
attain to popularity. It is a strong sulphate of iron water, and 
has much the appearance and taste of the acid iron earth, with 
which it evidently is closely aUied in its properties. The follow- 
ing is the analysis by Professor Stubbs, late of the A. and M. 
College of Alabama, now of the University of Louisiana: 

One litre contains, sulphuric acid, 84 grains; ferric oxide, 27^ 
grains; ferrous oxide, 17^ grains; caicic oxide, 107-10 grains'; 
potasic oxide, 2 grains ; magnesic oxide, 4^ grains; sodium, 
4-10 grains; chlorine, 3-5 grains; silica, 2^ grains; carbonic acid, 
57-10 grains. 

While this is not strictly speaking an alum water, it possesses 
some of the characteristics of the Bath alum and Rockbridge alum 
springs of Virginia, but is very much stronger in sulphuric acid 
and iron than either of these, I cannot speak at length of all of 
these springs, but Blount and St. Clair are worthy of special 
notice. They are sulphur springs, both of them with well-earned 
popularity, and both located in the mountain region of the 
State, and thus have the advantage of elevation and mountain 
scenery. 

I will mention only one other — the Livingston artesian water at 
Livingston, Sumter county. This is a saline water, and the only 
one in the State of this class with any reputation for medicinal 
virtues. It is, as its name implies, an artesian well, bored through 
the cretaceous limestone to the depth of 1,060 feet. It is located 
in the Prairie Belt on the public square of Livingston, which, like 
Tuscalsosa,' is situated on a bed of ''sandy drift," and hence has 
excellent subdrainage. To this fact, and the complete drainage 
of all the surrounding country, is no doubt due its now well-estab- 
lished reputation for healthfulness. 

The water has a large quantity of chloride of sodium, notable 
quantities of chloride of iron and magnesia, and an appreciable 
quantity of bromide of sodium, with a large amount of carbonic 
acid. It is especially noted for the cure of dyspepsia and chroric 
diarrhoea, or dysentery. It acts freely upon the kidneys and has 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



a reputation for diseases of this organ. It has been used by hun- 
dreds in the past five years with almost invariable success. 

Alabama, with such a record of healthfulness, its varied topog- 
raphy and climate, fertile soils, and unrivaled mineral resources^ 
offers great inducements to those seeking homes in the South. 



254 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM OF ALABAMA. 



BY HON. SOLOMON PALMER, STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION. 



The public school system of Alabama dates from the 15th day 
of February, 1854, when an act of the Legislature, looking to" the 
formularization of such a system as would be consonant to the pro- 
visions of the constitution of 18 19, was approved by the Governor. 
Since the original constitution two others have been formed, and in 
each of these increased emphasis has been given to the cause of 
public instruction through the medium of the State treasury, as 
well as through other agencies. 

The following provisions of the existing constitution of Ala- 
bama are sufficient to indicate the interest that is being taken in 
the important subject of general education : 

ARTICLE XIII.— EDUCATION. 

Section 1. The General Assembly shall establish, organize and maintain 
a system of public schools throughout the State for the equal benefit of the 
children thereof, between the ages of seven and twenty-one years ; but sep- 
arate schools shall be provided for the children of citizens of African de- 
scent. 

Sec. 2. The principal of all funds arising from the sale or other dispo- 
sition of lands or other property, which has been or may hereafter be 
granted or entrusted to this State, or given by the United States for educa- 
tional purposes, shall be preserved inviolate and undiminished ; and the 
income arising therefrom shall be faithfully applied to the specific objects 
of the original grants or appropriations. 

Sec. 3. All lands or other property given by individuals or appropriated 
by the State for educational purposes, and all estates of deceased persons 
who die without leaving a will or heir, shall be faithfully applied to the 
maintenance of the public schools. 

Sec. 4. The General Assembly shall also provide for the levying and col- 
lection of an annual poll tax, not to exceed one dollar and fifty cents on 
each poll, which shaM be applied to the support of the public schools in th© 
counties in which it is levied and collected. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Sec. 5. The income arising from the sixteenth section trust fund, the 
surplus revenue fund, until it is called for by the United States govern- 
ment, and funds enumerated in sections three and four of this article, with 
such other moneys to be not less than one hundred thousand dollars per 
annum, as the General Assembly shall provide by taxation or otherwise, 
shall be applied to the support and maintenance of the public schools, and 
it shall be the duty of the General Assembly to increase, from time to time, 
the public school fund, as the condition of the treasury and the resources 
of the State will admit. 

Sec. 6. jS'ot more than four per cent, of all monies raised, or which may 
hereafter be appropriated for the support of the public schools shall be used 
or expended otherwise than for the payment of teachers employed in such 
schools ; Provided, That the General Assembly may, by a vote of two- 
thirds of each house, suspend the operation of this section. 

Sec. 7, The supervision of the public schools shall be vested in a Super- 
intendent of Education, whose powers, duties, term of office, and compen- 
sation shall be fixed by law. The Superintendent of Education shall be 
elected by the qualified voters of the State in such manner and at such 
time as shall be provided by law. 

Sec. 8. No money raised for the support of the public schools of the State 
shall be appropriated to or used for the support of any sectarian or denomi- 
national school. 

Sec. 9. The State University and the Agricultural and Mechanical Col- 
lege shall each be under the management and control of a Board of Trus- 
tees. The Board for the University shall consist of two members from the 
congressional district in which the University is located, and one from each 
of the other congressional districts in the State. The Board for the Agri- 
cultural and Mechanical College shall consist of two members from the 
congressional district in which the college is located, and one from each of 
the other congressional ' districts in the State. Said trustees shall be 
appointed by the Governor by and with the advice and consent of the Sen- 
ate, and shall hold office for a term of six years, and until their successors 
shall be appointed and qualified. After the first appointment each Board 
shall be divided into three classes as nearly equal as may be. The seats of 
the first class shall be vacated at the expiration of two years, and those of 
the second class in four years, and those of the third class at the end of six 
years, fi'om the date of appointment, so that one-third may be chosen bien- 
nially. No trustee shall receive any pay or emolument other than his 
actual expenses incurred in the discharge of his duties as such. The Gov- 
ernor shall be ex-oMcio President, and the Superintendent of Education, 
ex. officio a member of each of said Boards of Trustees. 

Sec. 10. The General Assembly shall have no power to change the loca- 
tion of the State University or the Agricultural and Mechanical College as 
now established by law, except upon a vote of two-thirds of the members 
of the General Assembly, taken by yeas and nays, and entered upon the 
journals. 

Sec. 11. The provisiohs of this article, and of any act of the General 
Assembly passed in pursuance thereof, to establish, organize, and maintain 
a system of public schools throughout the State, shall apply to Mobile 
county only so far as to authorize and require the authorities designated hj 



256 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



law to draw the portion of the funds to which said county shall be entitled 
for school purposes, and to make reports to the Superintendent of Educa- 
tion as may be prescribed by law. And all special incomes and powers of 
taxation as now authorized by law for the benefit of public schools in said 
county, shall remain undisturbed until otherwise provided by the General 
Assembly ; Provided^ That separate schools for each race shall always be 
maintained by said school authorities. 

CONDITION. 

The public schools of Alabama, deficient, perhaps, in extent 
and falling short of public needs, are yet complete in the system or 
plan on which they are founded. They embrace the common schools 
where the rudiments are taught, high graded schools, normal 
schools for the education of teachers, an agricultural and mechani- 
cal college, where the practical businesses of life are taught, a uni- 
versity whose main purpose is to turn out scholars, a law school 
and a medical college w^here young men are prepared for these 
two leading professions, and institutes where the deaf, dumb and 
blind, are taught whatever modern science and skill can impart. 
No State in the Union has a system more comprehensive ; few can 
boast a system with a better foundation on which to build a yet 
better educational structure. Whatever improvements we may in 
future make, will be purely in the way of additions to the schools 
already established and the kinds of instructions already imparted. 
More attention will be paid to manual training, yet this will be 
only by way of enlarging the scope ot the work begun in the agri- 
cultural and mechanical college at Auburn. 

The total amount which the public schools of the State cost the 
tax-payers is, in round numbers, $650,000. This much is collected 
by the public tax-gatherer and paid out through public authorities, 
and does not include the thousands paid to private teachers and to 
the denominational and female colleges, and to teachers of public 
schools to supplement their salaries. 

The amount above stated does not come wholly from appropria- 
tions, some portion of it being interest of gifts from the general 
government. Yet this amount is year by year gathered from the 
tax-payer just as is the interest on the other bonded debt. Some 
of it is from local municipal appropriations. It also includes the 
expense of the educational department, which is nothing more nor 
less than the chief office of the system. 

Of the whole amoufit. $44,280 goes to colleges, ;^25,500to nor- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



257 



mal schools, ;^ 16, 500 to the Deaf and Dumb and BHnd Institutes, 
and the balance to the common schools. 

All this is done by a people, who but a few years since, were 
crushed with debt, and whose taxable property is valued at less 
than ;$220,ooo,ooo. It is questionable if, in proportion to m.eans, 
any people in the world are doing more for education than the 
people of Alabama. 

The amount of the common and normal school fund derived 
from taxation by the State, for the year iSS6-y, was as follows : 



Unapportioned balance from 1885-6 $ 3,421 28 

Interest on 16th section fund 1886-7, 6 per cent 109,241 19 

Interest on valueless 16tli section fund 1886-7, 6 per cent. . . . 5,825 47 

Interest on U. S. surplus revenue, 4 per cent 26,763 47 

Annual appropriation for 1886-7 . 230,000 00 

Amount from Baldwin county — act Feb. 17, 1885 245 00 

Unexpended contingent fund 1885-6 55 

Total fund certified by Auditor, Oct. 1, 1886 $ 375,496 96 

Poll tax retained in counties $ 136,895 75 

Rents from school lands 3,597 24 

Funds raised by local taxation or otherwise, swells this to a 

total of 650,000 00 

During the year 1886-87 there were — 

Enrolled in white schools 153,304 

Enrolled in colored schools . 98,396 

Total enrolled 251,700 

Average daily attendance in white schools 93,723 

Average daily attendance in colored schools 63,995 

Total daily attendance 157,718 

Of the enrollment, the attendance was 63 per cent. — of whites 61 per cent., 
of colored 65 per cent. 

Number of schools for white 3,658 

Number of schools for colored 1,925 

Total schools taught 5,583 

Teachers in white schools, male 2,413 

Teachers in white schools, female 1,237 

Total teachers in white schools - 3,650 



258 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Teachers in colored schools, male 1,264 

Teachers in colored schools, female 569 

Total teachers in colored schools 1,833 

Total teachers employed 5,483 

Average monthly pay of white teachers $22 16 

Average monthly pay of colored teachers 21 58 

Average monthly pay of teachers $21 87 

Decrease in white $5.43, and in colored $4.39, since Jast report 

Average paid each teacher $82 83 

A decrease of . .$29 96 

Average enrollment to white teacher 38 

Last year it was 39 

Average enrollment to colored teacher 45 

Last year was 48 

c'ts. 

Average cost of pupil per month, on basis of enrollment 54| 

Average cost of pupil per month, on basis of attendance 88 

Last year on enrollment • • • 45J 

Last year on attendance 75 J 

Average length of schools in days, white 70 

Average length of schools in days, colored 71 



These Statistics do not include the children in the cities, towns 
and separate school dirtricts, but only embrace the schools in the 
country districts. If the cities and separate school districts were 
included, a much better average would be shown. 

The cities and separate school districts support good schools the 
full term of nine months. As a sample of what these are doing, 
the report of the public schools of Birmingham, a city that ten 
years ago had no public schools and a population of less than 
5,ooo, is given as reported in the 33d Annual Report of the State 
Superintendent of Education for the year iSS6-y : 

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Hon. Solomon JPalmer, Mate Superintendent of Education, 

Montgomery, Ala. : 

I have \the honor to submit to you my report of the Public Schools of 
this city for the annual session of 1886-7. Our schools continued in session 
nine months and closed with the Third Annual Commencement of the 
High School, which occurred June 10th, 1887. 

FINANCIAL. STATEMENT— RECEIPTS. 



Tuition collected 
Poll tax — white. 



$ 5,213 60 
1,317 15 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 259 



•PoU tax— colored 355 50 

Dividend State school fund 1,330 06 

City appropriation 28,350 44 

Total $36,566 75 

EXPENDITURES. 

School lots $ 7,377 83 

School buildings 8,203 87 

- School furniture 1,487 50 

Teachers' salaries 16,299 00 

General expense 3,198 55 



Total $36,566 75 

STATISTICS. 

Valuation of school property $93,000 00 

School census, Aug., '87 — white, males 890, females 712 — total . . 1,802 
" " — col' d, males 709, females 750— total . . 1,459 

Grand total 3,261 

Number of teachers in the High School 3 

Number of teachers in the Grammar Schools 10 

Number of teachers in the Primary Schools 13 

Number of teachers in' the Colored Schools 6 

Number of special teachers 1 

Superintendent 1 

Total .34 

Whole number registered in the High School 96 

in the Grammar Schools 364 

in the Primary Schools 1,004 

in the Colored Schools 1,027 

Total 2,491 

Average monthly enrollment in the High School 80 

in the Grammar Schools 247 

in the Primary Schools 612 

in the Colored Schools 582 

Total monthy enrollment 1,521 

Average daily attendance in the High School 75 

in the Grammar Schools 236 

in the Primary Schools 495 

in the Colored Schools 355 

Total 1,161 

Per cent, of attendance in all schools 76.3 



26o 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



AGES OF PUPILS REGISTERED. 

Number in white schools between the ages of 7 and 10 years 519 

Number in white schools between the ages of 10 and 15 years . . . . 827 

Number in white schools over 15 years of age 118 

Number in colored schools between the ages of 7 and 10 years 431 

Number in colored schools between the ages of 10 and 15 years 535 

Number in colored schools over 15 years of age 61 

Average age of pupils, June, 1887, in the High School 16 

in the Grammar Schools 13.5 

in the Primary Schools 10 

in the Colored Schools 12 

Average number of pupils, per teacher, based upon monthly enrollment— 

In the High School 27 

In the Grammar Schools .25 

In the Primary Schools 47 

In the Colored Schools 53 



A careful examination of the above statistics will disclose the fact that 
the average attendance is much lower than it should be. Punctuality and 
regularity of attendance are usually necessary characteristics of good 
schools. But in a city like Birmingham, it must be remembered that 
unusual conditions are necessarily developed, and her institutions should 
not be judged merely by the customary standards. Considering . the 
remarkable growth of the city, and the general business rush and excite- 
ment of the people, it is not surprising to find the per cent, of attendance 
considerably lower than in other cities whose educational institutions have 
become crystalized through the cumulating experience of half a century. 
In view of the numerous difficulties encountered, and the unavoidable 
embarrassments to which the schools of a rapidly growing city are neces- 
sarily subjected, the working of the several departments of our school sys- 
tem has been remarkably smooth and harmonious. 

The district or elementary schools are distributed in different parts of 
the city and located with especial reference to the convenience of the peo- 
ple. In the location of these schools the prospective growth of the city was 
considered, and new districts may be readily created from time to time 
without necessitating a change in the location of the buildings already 
erected. These schools, comprising the elementary or eight years course 
of study, including four primary and four grammar school grades, form the 
circumference of a circle. In the center of this circle is the High & chool^ 
comprising a course of study which requires three 5 ears for its completion. 
In addition to this a special course of one year has been provided for the 
preparation of our High School graduates, and others of equivalent qualifi- 
cations, for the work of teaching. The training school course is designed 
for the preparation of teachers to fill acceptably the positions vacant from 
time to time in our city schools, and to provide new teachers to meet the 
emergencies of an increasing school population. It is in fact a normal 
school supported by the city, as a department of her Public School system. 
The course of study will comprise the subjects taught in our schools. Men- 
tal Science, Pedagogy, Political Economy, and lectures on school methods 



\ 




ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



261 



and school organization, together with illustrative practice work in th© 
city schools under the direction of a skilled critic teacher. 

The course of study in the elementary school, covering a period of eight 
years, comprises the ordinary subjects of a practical common school educa- 
tion. Industrial drawing and vocal music are taught in all the grades, and 
Oerman in the seventh and eighth years of the course. In the primary 
grades, parquetry work and clay modeling are used as aids in drawing, and 
in number, language and development lessons. 

The High School course is designed as an extension of the elementary 
school work. The subjects of Algebra and Latin are begun, and an 
optional course of two years advanced work in German is provided. The 
pupil in entering may elect to take either the Latin or the German. 
Those who desire special preparation for college or university may omit 
the natural science of the middle and senior years, and substitute Greek. 
Three classes have graduated from the High School, the last numbering 
seventeen young ladies and gentlemen, whose commencement eflForts were 
honored by your presence and words of commendation. Co-education is 
practiced in all our schools, from the High School to the lower primary, 
and, if popular favor may be regarded as an indication, it has been emi- 
nently successful. It is not likely that Birmingham will ever yield to the 
mediaeval sentiment which, much to the injury of both sexes, requires 
their complete separation during the period of their education. 

Thanking you for the interest you have evinced in the advancement of 
public education in the State, and for the impetus your efficient services 
have, give the cause of common school education, 

I am respectfully, yours, 

J. H. PHILLIPS, 
Superintendent luhlic Schools. 

If space would allow, similar gratifying reports from Mobile, 
Montgomery, Tuscaloosa, Talladega, Anniston, Huntsville, Selma, 
and others, might be given, as well as from a large number of 
separate school districts, where tuition is practically free, and the 
schools open for the full term of eight to ten months in the year. 

A special statute requires that in all schools supported by the State, 
instruction shall be given in physiology and hygiene with special reference 
to the effects of alcohol and narcotics on the human system. 

As the main need of the common school-system of the State, second of 
course to the want of more funds, is competent teachers ; to supply this 
want the State has established 

SIX NORMAL SCHOOLS 

And to their support appropriates $25,500. Three of these are white and 
three colored, and the fund given the latter is largely supplemented by 
charitable donations from the people of the North. 

The State Normal School at Florence is conducted in a building owned 
by the State and the appropriation is $7,500. The number of pupils in 
attendance is 224. 



262 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



The normal school at Jacksonville has a special appropriation of $2,500, 
and the total attendance is 203. 

The foregoing are for mixed schools. That at Livingston is for girls 
only, and the special appropriation is $2,500, the attendance being 130 
pupils. 

The colored normal schools are located at Tuskegee, Huntsville, and 
Montgomery, and are institutions more than creditable, not only to the 
race, but to Alabama. A special feature is the system of manual training 
and practical instruction adopted, which has operated with wonderful 
success. 

An extended review of the educational system of the State would not be 
inappropriate, and yet enough has been said to show that Alabama is com- 
ing up to the full measure of her duty in this regard. Mention, however, 
should be made of the private and denominational institutions which do 
so much to complete the educational advantages of the State. The Metho- 
dists maintain a university at Greensboro, and the Baptists have Howard 
College, at East Lake. A number of high schools of a purely private char- 
acter exist, and these as well as the colleges before mentioned, are fully up 
to the standard of the State institutions. 

To provide for the higher education of her girls, Alabama does nothing 
beyond admitting them to normal schools. Possibly this ancient fault and 
flagrant neglect of duty will oe atoned for in the near future by the estab- 
lishment of a college for girls something on the order of the technical insti- 
tute at Auburn. At any rate much is being thought and said on the sub- 
ject. At present, collegiate training of girls is solely at their private 
expense, and for this work the State is richly equipped by eight or ten 
first-class colleges for girls, and a number of lesser pretentions and varying 
merits. 

The most notable improvements in the educational facilities of Alabama 
in the past year are the completion of two magnificent buildings at the 
University and the successful inauguration of a mechanic art laboratory at 
the A. and M. College at Auburn. Preparations are being made to erect 
still another dormitory at the University, and the mechanic art laboratory 
at Auburn is being extended by the actual construction of a shop for work- 
ing the metals. The adoption and extension of technical education is the 
most important improvement now being made, and the indications are 
that appropriations to this end will be made more and more liberal, and 
its adoption in the public schools of our larger cities is a matter of only a 
year or two. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 263 



RIVER SYSTEM OF ALABAMA. 



Of all the States of the Union, Alabama has the greatest num- 
ber of valuable waterways. Her rivers are not only more numerous, 
but excel also in their length and value, as they drain all the regions 
for which the State is famous — timber, agricultural, and mineral. 
Every section of the State is favored with an abundant supply ot 
water, and is accessible to water transportation. The inland steam 
navigation of the State exceeds 2,000 miles. These splendid rivers 
will ultimately serve as valuable channels of commerce in bearing 
che products from the mines, fields, and forests of Alabama to the 
Southern seas and thence to different quarters of the globe. Nearly 
all the rivers are navigable, though several are interrupted in their 
navigation by natural barriers which can be removed, while others, 
which are not fitted for navigable purposes, have falls that will 
eventually prove valuable to manufacturers. 

A bare glance at the accompanying map w411 show the immense 
advantage afforded by these waterways to every section of the State. 
Indeed, no county in the State, whether found in the cereal, min- 
eral, cotton, or timber belt is remote from the commercial facilities 
afforded by the river system of Alabama. 

THE TENNESSEE RIVER. 

The primitive tribes called this majestic stream, which scoops in 
the northern tier of counties, the Great Bend, which is said to be the 

eaning of Tennessee. Having its source in the southwestern part 
of Virginia, it flows toward the southwest, 280 miles, to Knoxville, 
Tennessee. Sixty miles, still to the southwest, it reaches Loudon, 
Tennessee. At this point it turns at right angles and flows toward 
the northwest, making its way through several subordinate ridges, 
twenty-four miles to Kingston, Tennessee, where it forms a junction 
with the Clinch River, one of its largest tributaries. At the last- 
named point the river resumes a southwest course for no miles, 
where it reaches the bustHng city of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Here 
it alternates again, swooping abruptly to the northwest, nineteen 



264 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



miles, and pushing its way through the eastern branch of the Cum- 
berland range to what is known as the Boiling Pot, once a natural 
obstruction, which is removed. Again alternating, the river turns 
sharply to the southwest and flows in a tortuous course for forty-one 
miles to Bridgeport, Alabama, and on in the same direction it pur- 
sues its way seventy-four miles further to the promising town of 
Guntersville, Alabama. Turning to the northwest again at this 
last-named point, it gradually bends its way toward the north for 
the distance of fifty-one miles to Decatur, Alabama. Just ten 
miles above this point, at Brown's Ferry, is met the head of the 
famous natural obstruction, Muscle Shoals. This obstruction 
embraces about thirty-eight miles of this splendid stream. It does 
not terminate until the stream comes within sight of Florence, 
Alabama. Just thirty-four miles from Florence is Waterloo, Ala- 
bama, where the Tennessee bends northward, and, after traversing 
296 miles, it empties into the Ohio at Paducah, Kentucky. Thus 
the total distance from its fountain head to Paducah is 1,037 miles. 
Nearly one-third of the river is embraced in Alabama. It flows 
through five great States, to each of which it is of immense bene- 
fit. It is almost equal to the Ohio in length, breadth and vol- 
ume, and ranks sixth in magnitude among the rivers of the North 
American continent. It is only necessary to complete the remov- 
al of the natural impediment at the Muscle Shoals to make it a 
channel of commerce the value of which to our own State as well 
as to others cannot be computed. 

MOBILE RIVER. 

Mobile River is the result of the junction of the Alabama and 
Tombigbee Rivers, about fifty miles north of the city of Mobile. 
It flows its short course in a deep, broad channel between the 
counties of Mobile and Baldwin, and empties into Mobile Bay just 
below the city of Mobile. Along its broad bosom and deep chan- 
nel are conveyed the products of the upper country as they 
descend the Alabama, Tombigbee, Little Tombigbee and Black 
Warrior. And when the obstructions which now block the chan- 
nel of the Coosa are removed, the abundant mineral and agricul- 
tural products which will be borne down that stream, will be con- 
veyed along the broad surface of Mobile River. 

TOMBIGBEE RIVER. 

This large and important stream is formed by the junction of the 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



265 



upper Tombigbee and the Black Warrior Rivers, in the northern 
edge of the county of Marengo, and but a short distance above the 
city of DemopoHs. It affords a natural means of transportation to 
the counties l)ing adjacent, viz: Marengo, Sumter, Choctaw, Clarke 
and Washington. Measured from its formation by the rivers just 
named to its junction with the Alabama, about fifty miles above 
Mobile, it is about 256 miles long. It is one of the most impor- 
tant rivers of the South, penetrating as it does the western portion 
of the noted cotton belt. Lands of marvelous fertihty lie on either 
side of this noble stream from its formation to its confluence with 
the Alabama. Like its twin sister, the Alabama River, it is an 
important thoroughfare leading to the deep waters of the Gulf. 
Besides furnishing transportation of agricultural products, it is a 
natural means of conveyance to the distant markets of the timbers 
of the splendid forests which lie contiguous to it. And at no dis- 
tant day it will furnish transportation to the mineral productions to 
which the Tombigbee is sufficiently accessible to be easily reached 
by short and cheap railway lines. And when the obstructions are 
removed from the Black Warrior and Sipsey Rivers, which pene- 
trate the mineral heart of Alabama, the Tombigbee will be second 
to no stream in the South as an important channel of commerce. 

LITTLE, OR UPPER TOMBIGBEE RIVER. 

The Little Tombigbee, which is only a continuation of the stream 
just treated, rises in the northwestern part of the State of Missis- 
sippi. Flowing toward the South, it touches Alabama first on the 
western border of Pickens county and forms the boundary line 
between that county and Mississippi for a considerable distance. 
Both Columbus and Aberdeen, points of great importance in Mis- 
sissippi, are situated upon this river, and their prosperity is, in no 
small measure, due to the commercial advantages which the Little 
Tombigbee affords to the city of Mobile and the waters of the 
Gulf. For nearly three-fourths of the year this river is one of the 
chief channels of commerce to the three famous agricultural coun- 
ties of Pickens, Green and Sumter. From its junction with the 
Warrior to Fulton, the head of navigation, the distance is 320 
miles, \thich, taken in connection with the length of the Lower 
Tombigbee, or Tombigbee proper, the distance from Mobile to 
Fulton is 563 miles. 



266 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



THE BLACK WARRIOR. 

The region penetrated by this stream, its volume and perpetual 
flow, and its fall of five feet to the mile above the city of Tuska- 
loosa, make it at once a river of vast importance to the prospec- 
tive wealth of Alabama. It is formed by the union of two large 
creeks, known as the Locust and Mulberry Forks, near the center 
of the immense mineral region of Alabama. These large, deep 
forks, which meet upon the confines of the counties of Walker and 
Jefferson, rise far up in the plateau of Sand Mountain, and thor- 
oughly drain the famous Warrior coalfields. Nature seems-to have 
designed these streams- as lines of commerce along which to float 
the vast deposits of mineral wealth to the seas of the South. Fol- 
low along the lines of these great natural prongs and you traverse 
the richest mineral fields of the world, and descend along the ever- 
widening and deepening streams until you reach the harbor of 
Mobile. Barges laden with coal may be launched at any point along 
the great tributaries of the Warrior and floated along waters of 
gradual descent to the Gulf. It is impossible now to estimate the 
value which the Warrior will be to Alabama wnen the impediments 
which now block its channel are cleared away. With the river 
below Tuscaloosa improved so as to be navigable for tugs and 
barges, a coal trade would be inaugurated that would, in a single 
year change the whole aspect of the prosperity of our great Com- 
monwealth. 

SIPSEY RIVER. 

This is one of the main tributaries of the Upper Tombigbee 
River, entering that stream near the village of Vienna, in Pickens 
county. It finds its source in Fayette county, north of Fayette 
Court-house, and flows to the southwest through a portion of the 
Warrior coal-field and the fertile sections of Tuscaloosa and Pickens 
counties, a distance of 185 miles. It is navigable for light draught 
steamers and has been used for such even as high as Fayette 
Court-house. But this was the result of private enterprise. The 
value of the stream, in its relations to the rich mineral sections of 
Alabama, has never been appreciated. Along its banks abound 
not only rich mineral and agricultural products, but as fine build- 
ing stone as exists in the State, as well as immense forests of timber. 
It has been estimated that if rendered navigable, at least, 10, GOO 
bales of cotton would annually be transported along its current to 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



267 



the city of Mobile. Barges laden with coal are now floated along 
the Sipsey River during the high water, and down the Tombigbee 
to the Gulf. 

THE NOXUBEE RIVER. 

This is an important tributary of the Upper Tombigbee, flowing 
into it about one mile above the town of Gainesville, in Sumter 
county. Its source is in Choctaw county, Mississippi. Flowing 
through immense forests and penetrating some of the most fertile 
lands of Alabama and Mississippi for more than a hundred miles, 
it loses itself in the waters of the Tombigbee at the point just 
named. During high water stage the Noxubee is navigable as 
high as Mason, Mississippi. It is susceptible of navigation to a 
point much higher with the removal of the bars, snags, and rafts 
which now obstruct its channel. Making its way through a coun- 
try so highly favored in its agricultural capabilities, this stream 
would be of considerable benefit to the shippers of cotton in the 
sections of Mississippi and Alabama which it penetrates. Easy 
and cheap transportation to Mobile would thus be afforded thous- 
ands of bales of cotton, to say nothing of other farm productions 
and the timbers hewn from its neighboring forests. 

THE ALABAMA RIVER. 

This is the chief river of the State. It is formed by the junc- 
tion of the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, not a great distance 
above the city of Montgomery. It has been constantly navigated 
by large steamers since the earliest settlement of the State. 
Reports of the principal navigable rivers of the world show that 
the Alabama River is freer from obstructions and disadvantages 
than any other on the globe. Its relation to the future develop- 
ment of the resources of the State is readily seen when one un- 
folds the map of Alabama and discovers that it penetrates unlim- 
ited forests of most excellent timber and of every variety ; flows 
through eight of the finest agricultural counties of Alabama, viz : 
Elmore, Montgomery, Autauga, Lowndes, Dallas, Wilcox, Mon- 
roe and Clarke, and is also easily accessible to portions of the 
great coal domains by short railway lines. Appreciating this fact, 
a line is soon to be constructed between the Cahaba coalfields and 
Selma, where vast advantages will be enjoyed for easy and cheap 
transportation to the Mexican Gulf, and thence to distant portions 



268 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



of the world. From Selma the river is always navigable, however 
dry the season. 

Another line of railway is projected from Montgomery to Brier- 
iield, the purpose of which is to ship the mineral from the Cahaba 
coalfield to the capital city for manufacturing purposes, as well as 
for shipment along the deep channel of the Alabama River to 
Mobile. There is now plying between Montgomery and Mobile 
a line of steamers, under the auspices of Montgomery Trade Com- 
pa,ny. They are expected to act in concert with a line of steamers 
plying between the last-named point and New York. 

These items are thus indicated, only to show the relation which 
this great ventricle of commerce must inevitably bear to the future 
development of the resources of Alabama. 

THE CAHABA RIVER. ' 

This river rises in the midst of the rocky hills of the county of 
St. Clair. From its source to the point where it empties into the 
Alabama River, just nineteen miles below Selma, its estimated 
length is' II2 miles. It is important, by reason of the fact that 
it cuts its way through the deposits of coal and iron in Shelby and 
Bibb counties, and flows through the prolific lands of Perry and 
Dallas. There is no reason why the Cahaba, with its volume of 
water pouring incessantly through the mineral treasures of Central 
Alabama, and mingling with the deep waters of the Alabama 
which flow into the Gulf, may not become a thoroughfare of vast 
importance to the interior of the State. 

The Cahaba is now scarcely navigable for boats, though steamers 
have ascended the river eighty miles, to Centerville. This an indi- 
cation of what may be accomplished at slight governmental expense. 
Besides the benefits derived from the Cahaba mineral regions, 
there are vast quantities of cotton grown contiguous to the river, 
which would find a convenient mode of transportation, were the 
stream rendered navigable. Like all other rivers of this region, 
the Cahaba wends its way through vast forests of the most valua- 
ble oak, hickory, poplar, pine and cypress. 

THE COOSA RIVER 

The river which bears the above name, like most of the larger 
streams of Alabama, is the result of the junction of others. Amid 
the mountains of Northern Georgia, there rise two streams, known 
as the Oostanaula and Etowah Rivers. Both these flow toward the 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



269 



southwest, and at Rome, Georgia, they unite and form the beau- 
tiful Coosa. This was the river whose valley so charmed DeSoto, 
as far back as 1540, that after his disastrous conflict at Maubila, he 
wanted to return and colonize it. 

^ The Coosa is navigable from Rome to Greensport, on the north, 
and from Wetumpka to its mouth, on the south, leaving an inter- 
vening distance of 137 miles that is not navigable. With the river 
cleared of its hindrances to navigation, there would be opened up 
a waterway from Mobile to Rome, Georgia, of 854 miles. This 
grand waterway would drain more than 28,000 square miles of 
territory in Georgia and Alabama, unsurpassed in richness of soil 
and mineral wealth. The Coosa River flows through that section 
of Alabama where the immense coalfields lie side by side with 
extensive beds of iron ore, of several varieties and finest qualities. 
In the s^me neighborhood, are found, in exhaustless supplies, 
sandstone, limestone and fireclay. 

All things considered, the opening up of no waterway in Ala- 
bama would spread all around more industry, prosperity and 
wealth, than that of the Coosa. 

THE TALLAPOOSA RIVER, 

Which* unites with the Coosa, and forms the Alabama, rises in the 
western portion of Georgia. It is a stream of rapid and perpetual 
flow ; and because of the rapidity of its descent, it affords excellent 
water-power. At different points along the line of this historic and 
romantic stream, maybe found miles of cascades, the roar of which 
may be heard at a great distance. One of these remarkable falls 
is found at Tallassee. This immense water-power suggests its 
utility at no distant day in the manufactures. 

THE CHATTAHOOCHEE RIVER. 

The Chattahoochee rises among the Blue Ridge Mountains, in 
extreme Northwestern Georgia, and flows southwest to the Ala- 
bama line. For more than 100 miles it forms the eastern boun- 
dary of Alabama, and bears considerable commercial relations to 
the counties of Chambers, Lee, Russell, Barbour, and Henry. It 
is navigable as high as Girard, Alabama. On the opposite side of 
the stream, at this point, is located the city of Columbus, Georgia, 
which has become noted as a manufacturing center in the South. 

A large portion of the territory drained by the Chattahoochee 
possesses fine advantages. Vast districts of superior lands for till- 



270 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



age exist; while immense forests of pine, cypress, and cedar pre- 
vail. Flowing across the Florida Hne, the Chattahoochee empties 
into the Appalachicola river. 

THE CHOCTAWHATCHEE RIVER. 

This clear and beautiful stream, together with its principal trib- 
utary, the Pea River, drains the southeastern corner of the State. 
It is navigable for steamers as high as Geneva, in Genera county, 
Alabama. Besides affording transportation to this section of the 
State, it is largely used for rafting purposes. 

THE CONECUH RIVER. 

The stream which bears this name, together with its chief trib- 
utaries, Patsaliga and Sepulga rivers, and Murder Creek, drains the 
southern portion of the State, between the Choctawhatchee, and 
the Alabama. Small steamers have ascended this river, during 
the high water season, as far as Andalusia. The river has been 
extensively used for many years by lumbermen, whose timbers 
are easily floated to Pensacola, along the Conecuh and Escambia 
Rivers. One of the chief attractions of the clear streams of this 
section is the quantity of fish to be obtained from them. As fine 
trout as ever sported in mountain streams are obtained from the 
creeks and rivers of South Alabamft. 

Of course, in this brief review of the river system of Alabama, 
many of the subordinate streams have been omitted ; only such as 
had special significance in every geographical section of the State 
have received any notice in this hurried sketch. 

Enough has been presented, however, to demonstrate the fact 
that Alabama is second to no State in the Union in the extent and 
importance of its waterways. When, through government appro- 
priations, the natural barriers which now exist shall have been 
removed, the waterways of this Commonwealth will be one of the 
chief factors of her prosperity. 



ALABAMA STATE OFFICERS. 



THOMAS SEAY, 

Governor. 

CHARLES C. LANGDON, 

Secretary of State. 

MALCOLM C. BURKE, 

Auditor. 

FRED. H. SMITH, 

Treasurer. 

THOMAS N. McCLELLAN, 

Attorney General. 

SOLOMON PALMER, 

Superintendent of Education. 

GEORGE W. STONE, 

Chief Justice Supreme Court. 

DAVID CLOPTON, 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

H. M. SOMERVILLE, 

Associate Justice Supreme Cpurt. 
Organization of Department of Agriculture and»Immigration. 

R. F. KOLB, 

Commissioner. 

JOHN C. CHENEY, 

Chief Clerk. 

REUBEN KOLB, 

Assistant Clerk, 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



CONSTITUTION 



OF THE 

STATE OF ALABAMA. 



PREAMBLE. 

We, the people of the State of Alabama, in order to establish justice, 
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the 
general welfare and secureto ourselves and to our posterity, life, liberty, and 
property, profoundly 'grateful to Almighty God for this inestimable right 
and invoking His favor and guidance, do ordain and establish the follow- 
ing Constitution and form of government for the State of A.labama : 

ARTICLE r. 

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS. 

That the great, general and essential principles of liberty and free gov- 
ernment may be recognized and established, we declare 

1. That all men are equally free and independent ; that they are endowed 
by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, 
liberty and the pursuit of happiness. 

2. That all persons resident in this State, born in the United States, or 
naturalized, or who shall have legally declared their intention to become 
citizens of the United States, are hereby declared citizens of tiie State of 
Alabama, possessing equal civil and political rights. 

3. That all political power is inherent in the people, and all free govern- 
ments are founded in their authority, and instituted for their benefit ; and 
that, therefore, they have at all times an inalienable and indefeasible right 
to change their form of government, in such manner as they may deem 
expedient. 

4. That no religion shall be established by law ; that no preference shall 
be given by law to any religious sect, society, denomination, or mode of 
worship ; that no one shall be compelled by law to attend any place of 
worship, nor to pay any tithes, taxes or other rate for the building or 
repairing any place of worship, or for maintaining any minister or minis- 
try ; that no religious test shall be required as a qualification to any office 
or public trust, under this State ; and that the civil rights, privileges and 



274 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



capacities of any citizen shall not be in any manner affected by his religious 
principles. 

5. That any citizen may speak, write, and publish his sentiments on all 
subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty. 

6. That the people shall be secure in their persons, homes, papers, and 
possessions, from unreasonable seizures or searches, and that no warrant 
shall issue to search any place, or to seize any person or thing without 
probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation. 

7. That in all criminal prosecutions, the accused has a light to be heard 
by himself and counsel, or either; to demand the nature and cause of the 
accusation ; to have a copy thereof ; to be confronted by the witnesses 
against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his 
favor ; and in all prosecutions by indictment a speedy, public trial, by an 
impartial jury of the county or district in which the offense was commit- 
ted ; and that he shall not be compelled to give evidence against himself, 
nor be deprived of his life, liberty, or property, but by due process of 
law. 

8. That no person shall be accused, or arrested, or detained, except in 
cases ascertained by law, and according to the forms which the same has 
prescribed ; and no person shall be punished, but by virtue of a law estab- 
lished and promulgated prior to the offense, and legally applied. 

9. That no person shall, for any indictable offense, be proceeded against 
criminally, by information ; except in cases arising in the militia and vol- 
unteer forces when in actual service, or, by leave of the court, for misfeas- 
:ance, misdemeanor, extortion and oppression in office, otherwise than is 
provided in this Constitution ; Provided, That in cases of petit larceny,, 
assault, assault and battery, affray, unlawful assemblies, vagrancy, and 
other misdemeanors, the General Assembly may, by law, dispense with a 
grand jury, and authorize such prosecutions and proceedings before justices 
of the peace, or such other inferior courts as may be by law established. 

10. That no person shall, for the same offense, be twice put in jeopardy 
of life or limb. 

11. That no person shall be debarred from prosecuting or defending, before 
any tribunal in this State, by himself or counsel, any civil cause to which 
he is a party. 

12. That the right of trial by jury shall remain inviolate. 

13. That in prosecutions for the publication of papers investigating the 
official conduct of officers or men in public capacity, or when the matter 
published is proper for public information, the truth thereof may be given 
in evidence ; and that in all indictments for libel, the jury shall have the 
right to determine the law and the facts, under the direction of the court. 

14. That all courts shall be open ; and that every person, for any injury 
done him, in his lands, goods, person or reputation, shall have a remedy by 
due process of law ; and right and justice shall be administered without 
sale, denial, or delay. 

15. That the State of Alabama shall never be made a defendant in any 
court of law or equity. 

16. That excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel or unusual pun- 
ishments inflicted. 

17. That all persons shall, before conviction, be bailable by sufficient sure- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ties, except for capital ptfenses, when the proof is evident, or tlie x)resump- 
tion great ; and that excessive bail shall not, in any case, be required. 

18. That the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended 
by the authorities of this State. 

19. That treason against the State shall consist only in levying war 
against it, or adhering to its enemies, giving them aid and comfort ; and 
that no person shall be convicted of treason, except on the testimony of two 
witnesses to the same overt act, or his own confession in open court. 

20. That no person shall be attainted of treason by the General Assembly ; 
and that no conviction shall work corruption of bood or forfeiture of estate. 

21. That no person shall be imprisoned for debt. 

22. That no power of suspending laws shall be exercised, except by the 
General Assembly. 

23. That no expost facto law, or any law, impairing the obligation of con- 
tracts, or making any irrevocable grants of special privileges, or immuni- 
ties, shall be passed by the General Assembly. 

24. That the exercise of the right of eminent domain shall never be 
abridged nor so construed as to prevent the General Assembly from taking 
the property and franchises of incorporated companies, and subjecting 
them to public use the same as individuals. But private property shall not 
be taken or applied for public use, unless just compensation be first made 
therefor ; nor shall private property be taken for private use, or the use of 
corporations, other than municipal, without the consent of the owner ; 
Provided^ however, that the General Assembly may, by law, secure to per- 
sons or corporations the right-of-way over the lands of other persons or cor- 
porations, and hy general laws provide for and regulate the exercise by per- 
sons and corportions of the rights herein reserved, but just compensation 
shall, in all cases, be first made to the owner ; and, provided, that the right 
of eminent domain shall not be so construed as to allow taxation or forced 
subscriptions for the benefit of railroads or any other kind of corporations, 
other than municipal, or for the benefit of any individual or association. 

♦25. That all navigable waters shall remain forever public highways, free 
to the citizens of the State, and of the United States, without tax, impost 
or toll ; and that no tax, toll, impost or wharfage, shall be demanded or 
received from the owner of any merchandise or commodity, for the use of 
the shores, or any wharf erected in the shores, or in or over the waters of 
any navigable stream, unless the same be expressly authorized by law. 

26. That the citizens have a right, in a peaceable manner, to assemble 
together for the common good, and to apply to those invested with the 
power of government for redress of grievances, or other purposes by petition, 
address or remonstrance. 

27. That every citizen has a right to bear arms in defence of himself and 
State. 

28. That no standing army shall be kept up without the consent of the 
General Assembly, and in that case no appropriation for its support shall 
be made for a longer term than one year ; and the military shall, in all cases 
and at all times, be in strict subordination to the civil power. 

29. That no soldier shall, in time of peace, be quartered in any house 
without the consent of the ower, nor in time of war but in a manner to be 
prescribed by law. 



276 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



30. That no title of nobility or hereditary distinction, privilege, honor or 
emolument shall ever be granted or conferred in this State ; and that no 
office shall be created the aijpointment to which shall be for a longer time 
than during good behavior. 

31. That immigration shall be encouraged ; emigration shall not be pro- 
hibited, and that no citizen shall be exiled. 

32. That temporary absence from the State shall not cause a forfeiture 
of residence once obtained. 

33. That no form ol slavery shall exist in this State ; and there shall be 
no involuntary servitude, otherwise than for the punishment of crime, of 
which the party shall have been duly convicted. 

34. The right of sufierage shall be protected by laws regulating elections, 
and prohibiting, under adequate penalties, all undue influences from power 
bribery, tumult, or other improper conduct. 

35. The people of this State accept as final the established fact, that from 
the Federal Union there can be no secession of any State. 

36. Foreigners, who are or may hereafter become bona fide residents of 
this State shall enjoy the same rights in respect to the possession, enjoy- 
ment and inheritance of property, as native born citizens. 

37. That the sole object and only legitimate end of government is to pro- 
tect the citizen in the enjoyment of life, liberty and property, and w^hen 
the government assumes other functions, it is usurpation and oppression. 

38. No educational or property qualification for suffrage or office, nor 
any restraint upon the same on account of race, color, or previous condi- 
tion of servitude, shall be made by law. 

30. That this enumeration of certain rights shall not impair or deny 
others retained by the people. 

ARTICLE 11. 

STATE AND COUNTY BOUNDARIES. 

1. The boundaries of this State are established and declared to be as fol- 
lows ; that is to say : Beginning at the point where the thirty-first degree 
of north latitude crosses the Perdida River, thence east to the western 
boundary line of the State of Georgia ; thence along said line to the south- 
ern boundary line of the State of Tennessee ; thence west, along the south- 
ern boundary line of the State of Tennessee, crossing the Tennessee River^ 
and on to the second intersection of said river by said line ; thence up said 
river to the mouth of Big Bear creek ; thence by a direct line to the north- 
west corner of Washington county, in this State, as originally formed ; 
thence southerly along the line of the State of Mississippi to the Gulf of 
Mexico^ thence ©astwardly, including all islands within six leagues of the 
shore, to the Perdido River ; thence up the said river to the beginning. 

2. The boundaries of the several counties of this State, as heretofore 
established by law, are hereby ratified and confirmed. The General Assem- 
bly may, by a vote of two-thirds of both houses thereof, arrange and desig- 
nate boundaries for the several counties of this State, which boundaries 
shall not be altered, except by a like vote ; but no new counties shall be 
hereafter formed of lees extent than six hundred square miles, and no 
existing county shall be reduced to less extent than six hundred square 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



277 



miles ; and no new county shall be formed which does not contain a suf- 
ficient number of inhabitants to entitle it to one representative, under the 
ratio of representation existing at the time of its formation, and leave the 
<30unty or counties from which it is taken with the required number of 
inhabitants entitling such county or counties to separate representation. 

ARTICI.E III. 

DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS OF GOVERNMENT. 

1. The powers of the government of the State of Alabama shall be divided 
into three distinct departments, each of which shall bfe confided to a sepa- 
rate body of magistracy, to-wit : Those which are legislative to one ; those 
which are executive to another ; and those which are judicial, to another. 

2. No person, or collection of persons, being of one of those departments, 
shall exercise any power properly belonging to either of the others, except 
in the instances hereinafter expressly directed or permitted. 

ARTICLE IV. 

LEGISLATIVE DEPARTMENT. 

1. The legislative power of this State shall be vested in a General Assem- 
bly, which shall consist of a Senate and House of representatives. 

2. The style of the laws of this State shall be: "Be it enacted by the 
General Assembly of Alabama." Each law shall contain but one subject, 
which shall be clearly expressed iu its title, except general appropriation 
bills, general revenue bills, and bills adopting a code, digest or revision of 
statutes; and no law shall be revived, amended, or the provisions thereof 
extended or conferred, by reference to its title only ; but so much thereof 
Bs is revised, amended, extended or conferred, shall be re-enacted add pub- 
lished at length. 

3. Senators and Rej)resentatives shall be elected by the qualified electors 
on the first Monday in August, eighteen hundred and seventy-six, and one 
half of the Senators and all the Representatives shall be elected every two 
years thereafter, unless the General Assembly shall change the time of 
holding elections. The terms of the office of the Senators shall be four 
years, and that of the Representatives two years, commencing on the day 
after the general election, except as otherwise provided in this Constitution. 

4. Senators shall be at least twenty-seven years of age, and Representa- 
tives twenty-one years of age ; they shall have been citizens and inhabi- 
tants of this State for three years, and inhabitants of their respective coun- 
ties or districts one year next before their election, if such county' or district 
s'hall have been so long established, but if not, then of the countj" or district 
from which the same shall have been taken ; and they shall reside in their 
respective counties or districts during their terms of service. 

5. The General Assembly shall meet biennially, at the capitol, in the 
Senate Chamber and in the Hall of the House of Representatives, (except 
in cases of destruction of the capitol, or epidemics, when the Governor may 
convene them at such j)lace in the State as he may deem best), on the day 
specified in this Constitution, or on such other day as may be prescribed 
by law, aud shall not remain in session longer than sixty days at the first 



278 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



session held under this Constitution, nor longer than fifty days at any sub- 
sequent session. 

6. The pay of the members of the General Assembly shall be four dollars 
per day, and ten cents per mile in going to and returning from the seat of 
government, to be computed by the nearest usual route traveled. 

7. The General Assembly shall consist of not more than thirty-three kSen- 
ators, and not more than one hundred members of the House of Represen- 
tatives, to be apportioned among the several districts and counties as 
prescribed in this Constitution. 

8. The Senate, at the beginning of each regular session, and at such 
other times as may* be necessary, shall elect one of its members President 
thereof, and the House of Representatives, at the beginning of each regu- 
lar session, shall elect one of its members as Speaker, and the President of 
the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall hold 
their offices, respectively, until their successors are elected and qualified. 
Each House shall choose its own officers, and shall judge of the election 
returns and qualifications of its members. 

9. At the general election, in the year eighteen hundred and seventy-six,. 
Senators shall be elected in the even-numbered districts, to serve for two 
years, and in the odd-numbered districts to serve for four years, so that 
hereafter one-half the Senators may be chosen biennially. Members of 
the House of Representatives shall be elected at the general election every 
second year. The time of service of Senators and Representatives shall 
begin on the day after the election, except the terms of those elected in the 
year eighteen hundred and seventy-six, which shall not begin until the 
term of the present members shall have exi3ired. Y\^henever a vacancy 
shall occur in either House, the Governor for the time being shall issue a 
writ of election to fill such vacancy for the remainder of the term. 

10. A majority of each House shall constitute a quorum to do business, 
but a smaller number ma^- adjourn, from day to day, and may compel the 
attendance of absent members, in such manner and under such X->enalties, 
as each House may provide. 

11. Each House shall have power to determine tiie rules of its proceed- 
ings, and to punish its meinbers, or other persons, for contempt or disord- 
erly behavior in its presence, to enforce obedience to its process, to protect 
its members against violence, or offers of bribes or corrupt solicitation, and 
with the concurrence of two-thirds of either house to expel a member, but 
not a second time for the sajiie cause, and shall have all the powers neces- 
sary for the Legislature of a free State. 

12. A member of either House expelled for corruption shall not there- 
after be eligible to either House, and i)unishment for contempt or disord- 
erly behavior shall not bar an ir.dictiiient for the same offense. 

13. Each House shall keep a journal of its proceedings, and cause the 
same to be published immediately after its adjournment, excei^ting such 
parts as, in its judgment may require secrecy ; and the yeas and nays of 
the members of either House, on any <|uestion shall, at the desire of one- 
tenth of the members present, be entered on the journals. Any member 
of either House shall have liberty to dissent from or proteet against any 
act or resolution which he may think injurious to the public or an indi- 
vidual, and have the reasons for his dissent entered in the journals. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



14. Members of the General Assembly shall, in all cases except treason, 
felony, violation of their oath of office and breach of the peace, be privi- 
leged from arrest during their attendance at the sessions of their respec- 
tive Houses, and in going to and returning from the same ; and for any 
speech or debate in either House they shall not be questioned in any other 
place. 

15. The doors of each House shall be open, except on such occasions as, 
in the opinion of the house, may require secrecy. 

16. Neither house shall, without the consent of the other, adjourn for 
more than three days, nor to any other place than that in which they may 
be sitting. 

17. No Senator or Representative shall, during the term for which he 
shall have been elected, be appointed to any civil office of profit under this 
State, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall 
have been increased during such term, except such offices as may be filled 
by election by the people. 

18. No person hereafter convicted of embezzlement of the public money, 
bribery, perjury, or other infamous crime, shall be eligible to the General 
Assembly, or capable of holding any office of trust or profit in this State. 

19. No law shall be passed except by bill, and no bill shall be so altered 
or amended on its passage through either house as to change its original 
purpose. 

20. No bill shall become a law until it shall have been referred to a com- 
mittee of each house and returned therefrom. 

21. Every bill shall be read on three different days in each house, and no 
bill shall become a law unless on its final passage it be read at length and 
the vote be taken by yeas and nays, the names of the members voting for 
and against the same be entered on the journals, and a majority of each 
house be recorded thereon as voting in its favor, except as otherv/ise pro- 
vided in this Constitution. 

22. No amendment to bills by one house shall be concurred in by the 
other, except by a vote of a majority thereof, taken by yeas and nays, and 
the names of those voting for and against recorded upon the journals ; and 
reports of committees of conference shall in like manner be adopted in each 
house. 

23. No special or local law shall be enacted for the benefit of individuals 
or corporations in cases which are or can be provided for by a general law, 
or whete the relief sought can be given by any court of this State ; nor shall 
the operation of any general law be suspended by the General Assembly for 
the benefit of any individual, corporation or association. 

24. No local or special law shall be passed, on a subject Mdiich cannot be 
provided for by a general law, unless notice of the intention to apply there- 
for shall have been published in the locality where the matter or things to 
be affected may be situated, which notice shall be at least twenty days 
prior to the introduction into the General Assembly of such bill, and the 
evidence of such notice having been given, shall be exhibited to the Gen- 
eral Assembly, before such bill shall be passed ; Provided, that the provis- 
ions of this Constitution, as to special or local laws, shall not apply to pub- 
lic or educational institutions of or in this State, nor to industrial, mining, 
immigration or manufacturing corporations or interests, or corporation* 



280 ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



for constructing canals, or improving navigable rivers or harbors of thi« 
State. 

25. The General Assembly shall pass general laws, under which local and 
private interests shall be provided for and protected. 

26. The General Assembly shall have no power to authorize lotteries or 
gift enterprises for any purpose, and shall pass laws to prohibit the sale of 
lottery or gift enterpris tickets, or tickets in any scheme in the nature of a 
lottery, in this State; and all acts, or parts of acts, heretofore passed by the 
General Assembly of this State, authorizing a lottery or lotteries, and all 
acts amendatory thereof, or supplemental thereto, are hereby avoided. 

27. The presiding officer of each house shall, in the presence of the house 
over which he presides, sign all bills and joint resolutions passed by the 
General Assembly, after the titles have been xjublicly read immediately 
before signing, and the fact of signing shall be entered on the journal. 

28. The General Assembly shall prescribe ly law the number, duties and 
compensation of the officers and employes of each House ; and no payment 
shall be made from the State Treasury, or be in any way authorized to any 
person, except to an acting officer or employe, elected or appointed in pur- 
suance of law. 

29. No bill shall be passed giving any extra compensation to any public 
officer, servant or employee, agent or contractor, after the services shall 
have been rendered, or contract made ; nor shall any officer of the State 
bind the State to the payment of any sum of money but by authority of 
law. 

30. All stationery, printing, paper and fuel used in the legislative and 
other departments of government, shall be furnished, and the printing^ 
binding aiid distribution of laws, journals, department reports, and all 
other printing and binding, and repairing and furnishing the halls and 
rooms used for the meetings of the General Assembly and its committees, 
shall be performed under contract, to be given to the lowest responsible 
bidder below a maximum price, and under such regulations as shall be pre- 
scribed by law ; no member or officer of -any department of the government 
shall be in any way interestested in such contracts, and all such contracts 
shall be subject to the approval of the Governor, State Auditor and State 
Treasurer. 

31. All bills for raising revenue shall originate in the House of Rrepre- 
sentatives; but the Senate may propose amendments, as in other bills. 

32. The General Appropriation Bill shall embrace npthing but appropria- 
tions for the ordinary expenses of the Executive, Legislative and .Judicial 
departments of the State, interest on the public debt, and for the public 
schools; all other appropriations shall be made by separate bills, each 
embracing but one subject. 

33. 'No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except upon appropria- 
tions made by law, and on warrant drawn by the proper officer in pur- 
suance thereof ; and a regular statement and account of receipts and 
expenditures of all public moneys shall be published annually, in such 
manner as may be by law directed. 

34. No appropriation shall be made to any charitable or educational 
institution not under the absolute control of the State, other than Normal 
schools, established by law for the professional training of teachers for the 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



public schools of the State, except by a vote of two-thirds of all the mem- 
bers elected to each House. 

35. No act of the General Assembly shall authorize the investment of 
any trust fund by executors, administrators, guardians, and other trustees^ 
in the bonds or stock of any private corporation ; and any such acts now 
existing are avoided, saving investments heretofore made. 

36. The power to change the venue, in civil and criminal causes, is vested 
in the courts, to be exercised in such manner as shall be provided by law. 

37. When the General Assembly shall be convened in special session, 
there shall be no legislation upon subjects other than those designated in 
the proclamation of the Governor calling such session. 

38. No State office shall be continued or created for the inspection or 
measuring of any merchandise, manufacture or commodity ; but any county 
or municipality may appoint such officers, when authorized by law. 

39. No act of the General Assembfy changing the seat of government of 
the State shall become a law until the same shall have been submitted to 
the qualified electors of the State at a general election, and approved by a 
majority of such electors voting on the same, and such act shall specify the 
proposed new location. 

40. A member of the General Assembly who shall corruptly solicit, 
demand or receive, or consent to receive, directly or indirectly, for himself 
or for another, from any company, corporation or person, any money, 
office, appointment, employment, reward, thing of value or enjoyment, or 
of personal advantage or promise thereof, for his vote or official influence, 
or for withholding the same, or with an understanding, expressed or im- 
plied, that his vote or official action shall be in any way influenced thereby, 
or who shall solicit or demand any such money or other advantage, matter 
or thing aforesaid for another, as the consideration of his vote or official 
influence, or for withholding the same, or shall give or withhold his vote or 
influence in consideration of the payment or promise of such money, advan- 
tage, matter or thing to another, shall be guilty of bribery within the mean- 
ing of this Constitution, and shall incur the disabilities provided for such 
offense, and such additional punishment as is, or shall be provided by law. 

41. Any person who shall, directly or indirectly, offer, give or promise 
any money or thing of value, testimonial, privilege or personal advantage 
to any executive or judicial officer, or member of the General Assembly, to 
influence him in the performance of any of his public or official duties, 
shall be guilty of bribery and be punished in such maimer as shall be pro- 
vided by law. 

42. The offense of corrupt solicitation of members of the General Assem- 
bly, or of public officers of this State, or of any municipal division thereof, 
and any occupation or practice of solicitation of such member, or officers^ 
to influence their official action, shall be defined by law, and shall be pun- 
ished by fine and imprisonment. 

43. A member of the General Assembly, who has a personal or private 
interest in any measure or bill, proposed or pending before the General 
Assembly, shall disclose the fact to the House of which he is a member, 
and shall not vote thereon. 

44. In all elections by the General Assembly, the members shall vote 
mva vooe^ and the votes shall be entered on the journals. 



282 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



45. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass such laws as may 
be necessary and proper to decide differences by arbitrators, to be appointed 
by the parties who may choose that mode of adjustment. 

46. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly, at its first session after 
the ratification of this Constitution, and within every subsequent period of 
ten years, to make provision by law for the revision, digesting, and pro- 
mulgating of the public statutes of the State of a general nature, both civil 
and criminal. 

47. The General Assembly shall pass such penal laws as they may deem 
expedient to suppress the evil practice of duelling. 

48. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to regulate by law the 
cases in which deductions shall be made from the salaries of public officers, 
for neglect of duty in their official capacities, and the amount of such deduc- 
tions. 

49. It shall be the duty of the GeniBral Assembly to require the several 
counties of this State to make adequate provision for the maintenance of 
the poor. 

50. The General Assembly shall not have power to authorize any munici- 
pal corporation to pass any laws inconsistent with the general laws of this 
Stale. 

51. In the event of annexation of any foreign territory to this State, the 
General Assembly shall enact laws extending to the inhabitants of the 
acquired territory all the rights and privileges which may be required by 
the terms of the acquisition, anything in this Constitution to the contrary 
notwithstanding. 

52. The. General Assembly shall not tax the property, real or personal, of 
the State, counties, and other municipal corporations, or cemeteries ; nor 
lots in incorporated cities or towns, or within one mile of any city or town, 
to the extent of one acre, nor lots one mile or more distant from such cities 
or towns, to the extent of five acres, with the building thereon, when the 
same are used exclusively for religious worship, for schools, or for purposes 
purely charitable; nor such property, real or personal, to an extent not 
exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars in value, as may be used exclusively 
for agricultural or horticultural associations of a public character. 

53. The General Assembly shall by law prescribe such rules and regula- 
tions as may be necessary to ascertain the value of personal and real prop- 
erty exanipted from sale under legal process by this Constitution, and to 
secure the same to the claimant thereof selected. 

54. The State shall not engage in works of internal improvement, nor 
lend money or its credit in aid of such ; nor shall the State be interested in 
any private or corporate enterprise, or lend money, or its credit to any 
individual, association or corporation. 

55. The General Assembly shall have no power to authorize any county, 
city, town, or other subdivision of this State, to lend its credit, or to grant 
public money or thing of value in aid of, or to any individual, association 
or corporation whatever, or to become a stockholder in any such corpora- 
tion, association or company, by issuing bonds or oUierwise. 

56. There can be no law of this State impairing the obligation of con- 
tracts by destroying or impairing the remedy for their enforcement ; and 
the General Assembly shall have no power to revive any right or remedy 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



283 



which may have become barred by lapse of time or by any statute of this 
State. 

ARTICLE V. 

EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT. 

1. The Executive Department shall consist of a Governor, Secretary of 
State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, Attorney General, and Superintend- 
ent of Education, and a Sheriff for each county. 

2. The supreme executive power of this State shall be vested in a Chief 
Magistrate, who shall be styled " The Governor of the State of Alabama." 

3. The Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and 
Attorney General, shall be elected by the qualified electors of this State, 
at the same time and places appointed for the election of members of the 
General Assembly. 

4. The returns of every election for Governor, Secretary of State, State 
Auditor, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, shall be sealed up and 
transmitted by the returning officers to the seat of government, directed to 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall, during the first 
week of the session to which said returns shall be made, open and publish 
them in the presence of both houses of the General Assembly in joint con- 
vention. The persons having the highest number of votes for either of 
said offices shall be declared duly elected ; but, if two or more shall have 
an equal and the highest number of votes for the same office, the General 
Assembly, by joint vote, without delay, shall choose one of said persons for 
said office. Contested elections for Governor, Secretary of State, State 
Auditor, State Treasurer, and Attorney General, shall be determined by 
both houses of the General Assemblj^, in such manner as may be prescribed 
by law. 

5. The Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor and 
Attorney General, shall hold their respective offices for the term of two 
j^ears from the time of their installation in office, and until their successors 
shall be elected and qualified. 

6. The Governor shall be at least thirty years of age when elected, and 
shall have been a citizen of the United States ten years, and a resident 
citizen of this State at least seven years next before the day of his election. 

7. The Governor, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Auditor, and 
Attorney General, shall reside at the seat of government of this State dur- 
ing the tifiie they continue in office, except in case of epidemics; and they 
shall receive compensation for their services, which shall be fixed by law, 
and hlch shall not be increased or diminished during the term for whi^h 
they shail have been elected. 

8. The Governor shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed. 

9. Tlie Governor may require information in writing under oath, from 
the officers of the Executive Department on any subject relating to the 
duties of their respective offices; and may at any time require information 
in writing, under oath, from all officers and managers of State iia^^titutions, 
upon any sul>ject relating to the condition, management and expenses of 
their respective offices and institutions; and any such officer or manager who 
makes a false report shall be guilty of perjury and punished accordingly. 



284 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



10. The Governor may, by proclamation, on extraordinary occasions, 
convene the General Assembly at the seat of government, or at a different 
place if, since their last adjournment, that shall have become dangerou* 
from an enemy, or from infectious or contagious diseases; and he shall 
state specifically in such proclamation each matter concerning which the 
action of that body is deemed necessary. 

11. The Governor shall, from time to time, give to the General Assembly 
information of the state of the Government, and recommend to their con- 
sideration such measures as he may deem expedient; and at the com- 
mencement of each session of the General Assembly, and at the close of 
his term of ofRce, give information, hy written message, of the condi- 
tion of the State ; and he shall account to the General Assembly, as may 
be prescribed by law, for all moneys received and paid out by him from 
.a,ny funds subject to his order, with the vouchers therefor ; and he shall, at 
the commencement of each regular session, present to the General Assem- 
bly estimates of the amount of money required to be raised by taxation 
for all purposes. 

12. The Governor shall have power to remit fines and forfeitures, under 
«uch rules and regulations as may be prescribed by law, and after convic- 
tion, to grant reprieves, commutation of sentence, and pardons {except in 
•cases of treason and impeachment) ; but pardons in cases of murder, arson, 
burglary, rape, assault with attempt to commit rape, perjury, forgery, 
bribery, and larceny, shall not relieve from civil ajid political disability 
unless specifically expressed in the pardon. Upon conviction of treason, 
the Governor may suspend the execution of the sentence, and report the 
same to the General Assembly at the next regular session, when the General 
Assembly shall either pardon, commute the sentence, direct its execution, 
or grant further reprieve. He shall communicate to the General Assembly 
at every regular session, each case of reprieve, commutation or pardon 
granted, with his reasons therefor ; stating the name and crime of the con- 
vict, the sentence, its date and the date of the reprieve, commutation or 
pardon. 

13. Every bill which shall have passed both Houses of the General As- 
sembly shall be presented to the Governor ; if he approve, he shall sign it, 
but if not, he shall return it with his objections, to that House in which it 
shall have originated, who shall enter the objections at large upon the jour- 
nals, and the House to which such bill shall be returned shall proceed to 
reconsider it ; if, after such reconsideration a majority of the whole num- 
ber elected to that House shall vote for the passage of such bill, it shall be 
sent, with the objections to the other House, by which it shall likewise be 
reconsidered ; if approved by a majority of the whole number elected to 
that House, it shall become a law ; but, in such cases, the votes of both 
Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the mem- 
bers voting for or against the bill shall be entered upon the journals of each 
House respectively. If any bill shall not be returned by the Governor 
within five days, Sundays excepted, after it shall have been presented to 
him, the same shall be a law in like manner as if he had signed it, unless 
the General Assembly by their adjournment, prevent its return, in which 
case it shall not be a law. And every order, vote or resolution to which 
the concurrence of both Houses may be necessary (except questions 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



285 



of adjournment and of bringing on elections for the two Houses, and of 
amending this Constitution) shall be presented to the Governor and before 
the same shall take effect be approved by him, or, being disapproved, shall 
be repassed by both Houses, according to the rules and limitations pre-- 
scribed in the case of a bill. 

14. The Governor shall have power to disapprove of any item or item& 
of any bill making appropriations of money, embracing distinct items, and 
the part, or parts of the bill approved, shall be the law, and the item or 
items of appropriations disapproved shall be void, unless repassed accord- 
ing to the rules and limitations prescribed for the passage of other bills 
over the Executive veto ; and he shall, in writing state specifically the it©m 
or items he disapproves. 

15. In case of the impeachment of the Governor, his removal from ofiSce^ 
death, refusal to qualify, resignation, absence from the State, or other dis- 
ability, the President of the Senate shall exercise all the powder and author- 
ity appertaining to the office of Governor, until the time appointed for the 
election of Governor shall arrive, or until the Governor who is absent, or 
impeached, shall return or be acquitted, or other disability be removed ; 
and if during such vacancy in the office of Governor, the President of the 
Senate shall be impeached, removed from olfice, refuse to qualify, die, 
resign, be absent from the State, or be under any other disability, the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, in like manner, administer 
the government. If the Governor shall be absent from the State over 
twenty days, the Secretary of State shall notify the Pregident of the Sen- 
ate, who shall enter upon the duties of Governor ; aud if the Governor and 
President of the Senate shall both be absent from the State over twenty 
days, the Secretary of State shall notify the Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives, and in such case he shall enter upon and discharge the duties 
of Governor, until the return of the Governor or President of the Senate. 

16. The President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives shall, during the time they respectively administer the government, 
receive the same compensation which the Governor would have received if 
he had been employed in the duties of his office ; Pr^ovided, That if the 
General Assembly shall be in session during such absence, they, or either 
of them, shall receive no compensation as members of the General Assem- 
bly while acting as Governor. 

17. No person shall, at one and the same time, hold the office of Governor 
of this State and any other office, civil or military, either under this State, 
the United States, or any other State or government, except as otherwise 
provided in this Constitution. 

18. The Governor shall be commander-in-chief of the militia and volun- 
teer forces of this State, except when they shall be called into the service 
of the United States, and he may call out the same to execute the laws, 
suppress insurrection, and repel invasion, but he need not command in 
person, unless directed to do so by a resolution of the General Assembly ; 
and when acting in the service of the United States, he shall appoint his 
staff, and the General Assembly shall fix his rank. 

19. No person shall be eligible to the office of Secretary of State, State 
Treasurer, State Auditor, or Attorney-General, unless he shall have been a 
citizen of the United States at least seven years, and shall have resided in 



286 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



this State at least five years next preceding his election, and shall be at 
least twenty-five years old when elected. 

20. There shall be a great seal of the State, which shall be used oflBcially 
by the Governor ; and the seal now in use shall continue to be used until 
another shall have been adopted by the General Assembly. The said seal 
shall be called the " Great Seal of the State of Alabama." 

21. The Secretary of State shall be the custodian of the seal of the State, 
and shall authenticate therewith all official acts of the Governor, his 
approval of laws and resolutions excepted. He shall keep a register of the 
official acts of the Governor, and when necessary shall attest them, and lay 
copies of the same together with copies of all papers relative thereto, before 
either House of the General Assembly'', whenever required to do so, and 
shall perform such other duties as may be prescribed by law. 

22. All grants, and commissions shall be issued in the name, and by the 
authority, of the State of Alabama, sealed with the great seal, and signed 
by the Governor, and countersigned by the Secretary of State. 

23. Should the office of Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Audi- 
tor, Attorney-General , or Superintendent of Education, become . vacant, 
for any of the causes specified m section fifteen of this article, the Governor 
shall fill the vacancy, until the disability is removed, or a successor elected 
and qualified. 

24. The State Treasurer, State Auditor, and Attorney-General shall per- 
form such duties as may be prescribed by law. The State Treasurer and 
State Auditor shall, every year, at a time the General Assembly may . fix, 
make a full and complete report to the Governor, showing all receipts and 
disbursements of revenue, of every character, all claims audited and paid 
by the State, by items, and all taxes and revenue collected and paid into 
the treasury and from what sources ; and they shall make reports oftener 
in any matter pertaining to their office, if required by the Governor, or 
the General Assembly, 

25. The State Auditor, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State shall not 
after the expiration of the terms of those now in office, receive to their 
use any fees, costs, perquisites of office, or compensation, other than their 
salaries as prescribed by law ; and all fees that may be payable by law, for 
any service performed by eitheir of such officers, shall be paid in advance 
into the State Treasurer. 

26. A Sheriff shall be elected in each county, by the qualified electors 
thereof, who shall hold his office for the term of four years, unless sooner 
removed, and shall be ineligible to such office as his own successor; 
Provided^ That Sheriffs elected on the first Monday in August, eighteen 
hundred and seventy-seven, or at such other time as maj^ be prescribed by 
law for the election in that year, shall hold their offices for the term of 
three years, and until their successors shall be elected and qualified. In 
the year 1880, at the general election for members to the General Assembly 
Sheriffs shall be elected for four years, as herein provided. Vacancies in the 
office of Sheriff shall be filled by the Governor, as in other cases ; and the 
person appointed shall continue in the office until the next general elec- 
tion in the county for Sheriff, as provided by law. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



287 



ARTICLE VI. 

JUDICIAL DEPARTMENT. 

1. Thft judicial power of the State shall be vested in the Senate, sitting 
as a Court of Impeachment, a Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, Chancery 
Court, Courts of Probate, such Inferior Courts of law and equity, to con- 
sist of not more than five members, as the General Assembly may from 
time to time establish, and such persons as may be by law invested with 
powers of a judicial nature. 

2. Except in cases otherwise directed to the Constitution, the Supreme 
Court shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be co-extensive 
with the State, under such restrictions and regulations, not repugnant to 
this Constitution, as may be from time to time prescribed by law. Provided, 
That said Court shall have power to issue rights of injunction, habeas cor- 
pus, quo warranto, and such other remedial and original writs as may be 
necessary to give it a general superintendence and control of superior juris- 
dictions. 

3. The Supreme Court shall be held at the seat of government, but if 
that shall have become dangerous from any cause it may adjourn to a dif- 
ferent place. 

4. The State shall be divided by the General Assembly into convenient 
circuits, not to exceed eight in number unless increased by a vote of two- 
thirds of the members of each House of the General Assembly, and no 
circuit shall contain less than three nor more than twelve counties ; and 
for each circuit there shall be chosen a Judge, who shall, for one year 
next preceding his election and during his continuance in office, reside in 
the circuit for which he is elected. 

5. The Circuit Court shall have original jurisdiction in all matters, civil 
and criminal, within the State, not otherwise excepted in the Constitution; 
but in civil cases only where the matter or sum in controversy exceeds fifty 
dollars. 

6. A Circuit Court shall be held in each county in the State at least twic« 
in every year, and the Judges of the several circuits may hold courts for 
each other, when they deem it expedient, and shall do so when directed 
by law ; Provided., that the Judges of the several Circuit Courts shall have 
power to issue writs of injunction returnable into Courts of Chancery. 

7. The General Assembly shall have power to establish a Court or Courts 
of Chancery, with original and appellate jurisdiction. The State shall be 
divided by the General Assembly into convenient chancery divisions, not 
exceeding three in number, unless an increase shall be made by a vote of 
two-thirds of each House of the General Assembly taken by yeas and nays 
and entered upon the journals ; and the division shall be divided into dis- 
tricts, and for each division there shall be a Chancellor, who shall, at the 
time of his election or appointment, and during his continuance in office, 
reside in the division for which he shall have been elected or appointed. 

8. A Chancery Court shall be held in each district, at a placed to be fixed 
by law, at least once in each year, and the Chancellors may hold courts for 
each other, when they deem it necessary. 

9. The General Assembly shall have power to establish in each county 
within the State a Court of Probate, with general jurisdiction for the grant- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ing of letters testameDtary and of administration, and for orphans* busi- 
ness, 

10. The Judges of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, and Chancellors 
shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which 
shall not be diminished during- their official terms, but they shall receive 
no fees or perquisites, nor hold any office (except judicial offices) of profit 
or trust under this State or the United States, or any other power, during 
the term for which they have been elected. 

11. "The Supreme Court shall consist of one Chief Justice and such num- 
ber of Associate Justices as may be prescribed by law. 

12. The Chief Justice and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, 
Judges of tlie Circuit Courts, Probate Courts, and Chancellors, shall be 
elected by the qualified electors of the State, circuits, counties and chancery 
divisions for which such courts may be established, at such times as may 
be prescribed by ikw. 

13. The Judges of such inferior courts of law and equity as may be by 
law established, shall be elected or appointed in such mode as the General 
Assembly may prescribe. 

14. The Judges of the Supreme Court, Circuit Courts, Chancellors, and 
the Judges of the City Courts, shall have been citizens of the United States 
and of this State five years next preceding their election of appointment, 
and shall not be less than twenty-five years of age, and learned in the law. 

The Chief Justices and Associate Justices of the Sujjreme Court, Circuit 
Judges, Chancellors and Probate Judges shall hold office for the term of 
six years and until their successors are elected or appointed and qualified ; 
and the right of such judges and chancellors to hold their office for the 
full time hereby prescribed, shall not be affected by any change hereafter 
made by law in any circuit, division or county in the mode or time of elec- 
tion. 

16. The judges of the Supreme Court shall, by virtue of their offices, be 
conservators of the peace throughout the State ; the judges of the Circuit 
Courts within their respective circuits, and the judges of the Inferior 
Courts within their respective jurisdictions, shall in like manner be con- 
servators of the peace. 

17. Vacancies in the office of any of the judges or chancellors of this 
State shall be filled by appointment by the Governor, and such appointee 
shall hold his office for the unexpired term and until his successor is elected 
or appointed and qualified. 

18. If in any case, civil or criminal, pending in any circuit, chancery or 
city court in this State, the presiding judge or chancellor shall, for any 
legal cause be incompetent to cry, hear or render judgment in such cause, 
the parties of their attorneys of record, if it be a civil case, or the solicitor 
or other prosecuting officer, and the defendant or defendants, if it be a crim- 
inal case, may agree upon some disinterested person, practicing in the court 
and learned in the law, to act as special judge or chancellor, to sit as a 
court and to hear, decide and render judgment in the same manner and 
to the same effect as a judge of the Circuit or City Court, or chancellor, 
sitting as a court might do in such case. If the case be a civil one and the 
parties, or their attorneys of record do not agree, or if a case be a criminal 
one and the prosecuting officer and the defendant or defendants do not 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



289 



agree upon a special judge or chancellor, or if either party in a civil cause 
is not represented in court, the clerk of the Circuit or City Court, or regis- 
ter in Chancery of the court in which said cause is pending, shall appoint 
the special judge or chancellor, who shall preside, try and render judg- 
ment as in this section provided. 

19. The General Assembly shall have power to provide for the holding 
of circuit and chancery courts in this State, when the judges or chancellors 
thereof fail to attend regular terms. 

20. No judge of any court of record in this State, shall practice law in 
any of the courts of this State or of the United States. 

21 Registers in chancery shall be appointed by the chancellors of the 
(iivisions, and shall hold office during the term of the chancellor making 
such appointment ; and such registers shall receive as compensation for 
their services only such fees and commissions as may be specifically pre-^ 
scribed by law. 

22. A clerk of the supreme court shall be appointed by the judges thereof 
and shall hold office during the term of the judges making the. appoint^ 
mjQBkt, and clerks of such inferior courts as may be established by law,, 
shall be appointed by the judges thereof, and shall hold office during the 
term of the judge making such appointment. 

23. Clerks of the Circuit Court shall be elected by the qualified electors 
in each county, for the term of six years. Vacancies in such office shall be 
filled by the Governor for the unexpired term. 

24. The clerk of the Supreme Court and Registers in Chancery may be 
removed from office by the Judges of the Supreme Court and Chancellors 
respectively, for cause, to be entered at length upon the records of the court. 

25. A Solicitor for each judicial circuit shall be elected by joint ballot of 
the General Assembly, who shall be learned in the law, and who shall, at 
the time of his election, and during his continuance in office, reside in the 
circuit for which he is chosen, and whose term of office shall be for six 
years ; Provided^ That the General Assembly, at the first session thereof 
after the ratification of this Constitution shall, by joint ballot, elect a Solic- 
itor for each judicial circuit of the State, whose term of office shall begin on 
Tuesday after the first Monday in November, 1876, and continue for four 
years ; And provided^ That the General Assembly may, when necessary, 
provide for the election or appointment of county solicitors. 

26. There shall be elected by the qualified electors of each precinct of the 
counties, not exceeding two Justices of the Peace and one Constable. Such 

'justices shall have jurisdiction in all civil cases wherein the amount in con- 
troversy does not exceed one hundred dollars, except in cases of libel, 
slander, assault and battery, and ejectment. 

In all cases tried before such justices, the right of appeal, without prepay- 
ment of costs, shall be secured by law ; Provided^ That the Governor may 
appoint one Notary Public for each election precinct in counties, and one 
for each ward in cities of over five thousand inhabitants, who, in addition 
to the powers of notary, shall have and exercise the same jurisdiction as 
justices of the peace within the precincts and wards for which they are 
respectively appointed ; And provided^ That Notaries Public without such 
jurisdiction may be appointed. The term of office of such Justices and 
Ifotaries Public shall be prescribed by law. 



290 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



27. An Attorne3^ General shall be elected by the qualified electors of 'the 
\ State at the same time and places of election of membere of the General 

Assembly, whese term of office shall be for two years, and until his succes- 
sor is elected and qualified. After his election he shall reside at the seat of 
government, and shall be the law officer of the State, and shall perform 
such duties as may be required of him by law. 

28. The style of all process shall be "The State o^Alabama," and all 
prosecutions shall be carried on in the name and by the authority of the 
same, and shall conclude " Against the peace and dignity of the State." 

ARTICLE VII. 

IMPEACHMENTS. 

1. The Governor, Secretary of State, Auditor, Treasurer, Attorney Gene- 
ral, Superintendent of Education and Judges of the Supreme Court, may 
be removed from office for willful neglect of duty, corruption in office, 
iiabitual drunkenness, incompetency, or any oftense involving moral turpi- 
tude while in office, or committed under color thereof or connected there- 
with, by the Senate, sitting as a court for that purpose, under oath or 
.•affirmation, on articles or charges preferred by the House of Representa- 
rtives. 

2. The Chancellors, Judges^ of the Circuit Courts, Judges of the Probate 
"Courts, Solicitors of the Circuits and Judges of the Inferior Courts, from 
which an appeal may be taken directly to the Supreme Court, may be 
removed from office for any of the causes specified in the preceding section, 
hy the Supreme Court, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law. 

3. The Sheriffs, Clerks of the Circuit, City or Criminal Courts, Tax Col- 
ilectors, Tax Assessors, County Treasurers, Coroners, Justices of the Peace, 
USTotaries Public, Constables, and all other county officers, Mayors and 
Intendants of incorporated cities and towns in this State, may be removed 
from office for any of the couses specified in section one of this article, by 
the Circuit, City or Criminal Court of the county in which such officers 
hold their office, under such regulations as may be prescribed by law ; 
F'romded, That the right of trial by jury and appeal in such cases be 
isecured. 

4. The penalties in cases arising under the three preceding sections shall 
not extend beyond removal from office, and disqualification from holding 
•office under the authority of this State, for the term for which he was 
elected or appointed ; but the accused shall be liable to indictment, trial 
and punishment as prescribed by law. 

ARTICLE VIII. 

SUFFRAGE AND ELECTIONS. 

1. Every male citizen of the United States, and every male person of for- 
eign birth who may have legally declared his intention to become a citizen 
of the United States before he offers to vote, w^ho is twenty-one years old, 
or upwards, possessing the following qualifications, shall be an elector and 
shall be entitled to vote at any election by the people, except as hereinafter 
provided : First. He shall have resided in the State at least one year imme- 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



291 



diately preceding the election at which he offers to vote. Second. He shall 
have resided in the countj^ for three months, and in the precinct or ward 
for thirty days immediately preceding the election at which he offers to 
vote ; Provided^ that the General Assembly may prescribe a longer or 
shorter residence in any precinct in any county, or in any ward in any 
incorporated city or town having a population of more than five thousand 
inhabitants, but in no case to exceed three months ; and, provided^ that no 
soldier, sailor or marine, in the military or naval service of the United 
States shall acquire a residence by being stationed in this State. 

2. Alf elections by the people shall be by ballot, and all elections by per- 
sons in a representative capacity shall be viva voce. 

3. The following classes shall not be permitted to register, vote or hold 
office : First. Those who shall have been convicted of treason, embezzle- 
ment of public funds, malfeasance in office, larceny, bribery, or other crime, 
punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary. Second. Those who are 
idiots or insane. 

4. Electors shall in all cases, except treason, felony, or breach of the 
peace, be privileged from arrest during their attendance at elections, or 
while going to or returning therefrom. 

5. The General Assembly shall pass laws, not inconsistent with this Con- 
stitution, to regulate and govern elections in this State, and all such laws 
shall be uniform throughout the State. The General Assembly may, when 
necessary, provide by law for the registration of electors throughout the 
State, or in any incorporated city or town thereof, and when it is so pro- 
vided no person shall vote at any election unless he shall have registered, 
as required by law. 

6. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly to pass adequate laws 
giving protection against the evils arising from the use of intoxicating 
liquors at all elections. 

7. Returns of elections for all civil officers who are to be commissioned 
by the Governor, except Secretar;^ of State, State Auditor, State Treasurer 
and Attorney-General, and for the members of the General Assembly, 
shall be made to the Secretary of State. 

ARTICLE IX. 

REPRESENTATION. 

1. The whole number of Senators shall l»e not less than one-fourth, or 
more than one-third, of the whole number of representatives. 

2. The House of Representatives shall consist of not more than one hun- 
dred members, who shall be apportioned by the General Assembly among 
the several counties of the State, according to the number of inhabitants 
in them respectively, as ascertained by the decennial census of the United 
States for the year eighteen hundred and eighty ; which apportionment, 
when made, shall not be subject to alteration until the first session of the 
General Assembly after the next decennial census of the United States 
shall have been taken. 

3. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly, at its first session after 
the taking of the decennial census of the United States in the year eighteen 



292 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



hundred and eighty, and after each subsequent decennial census, to fix by- 
law the number of Representatives and apportion them among the several 
counties of the State ; Provided^ That each county shall be entitled to at 
least one Representative. 

4. It shall be the duty of the General Assembly at its first session after 
the taking of the decennial census of the United States in the year eigh- 
teen hundred and eighty, and after each subsequent decennial census, to 
fix by law the number of Senators and to divide the State into as many 
Senatorial Districts as there are Senators, which districts shall be as nearly 
equal to each other in the number of inhabitants as ma.y be, and each 
shall be entitled to one Senator and no more ; and which districts, when 
formed, shall not be changed until the next apportioning «ession of the 
General Assembly after the next decennial census of the United States 
shall have been taken. No county shall be divided between two districts 
and no district shall be made of two or more counties not contiguous to 
each other. 

5. Should the decennial census of the United States, from any cause, not 
be taken, or if when taken, the same as to this State is not full and satis- 
factory, the General Assembly shall have power, at its first session after 
the time shall have elapsed for the taking of said census, to provide for 
an enumeration of all the inhabitants ot this State, and once in each ten 
years thereafter, upon which it shall be the duty of the General Assembly 
to make the appointment of Representatives and Senators as provided for 
in this article. 

6. Until the General Assembly shall make an apportionment of Repre- 
sentatives among the several counties, after the first decennial census of 
the United States, as herein provided, the counties of Autauga, Baldwin, 
Bibb, Blount, Calhoun, Chilton, Cherokee, Choctaw, Clarke, Clay, Cle- 
burne, Coffee, Colbert, Conecuh, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, 
DeKalb, Elmore, Etowah, Escambia, Fayette, Franklin, Geneva, Henry, 
Lauderdale, Marion, Morgan, Monroe, Marshall, Randolph, Sanford, 
Shelby, St. Clair, Walker, Washington and Winston shall each have one 
Representative; the counties of Barbour, Bullock, Batler, Chambers, 
Greene, Hale, Jackson, Jefferson, Limestone, Lawrence, Lowndes, Lee, 
Macon, Marengo, Perry, Pickens, Pike, Russell, Sumter, Talladega, Talla- 
poosa, Tuskaloosa and Wilcox shall have each two Representatives; the 
county of Madison shall, have three Representatives; the counties of Dal- 
las and Montgomery shall have each four Representatives. 

7. Until the General Assembly shall divide the State into senatorial dis- 
tricts, provided, the sanatorial districts shall be as follows : 

First district, Lauderdale and Limestone ; second district, Colbert and 
Lawrence ; third district, Morgan, Winston and Blount ; fourth district, 
Madison ; fifth district, Marshall, Jackson and DeKalb ; sixth district, 
Cherokee, Etowah and St. Clair ; seventh district, Calhoun and Cleburne ; 
eighth district, Talladega and Clay ; ninth district, Randolph and Cham- 
bers ; tenth district, Macon and Tallapoosa ; eleventh district. Bibb and 
Tuskaloosa; twelfth district, Franklin, Marion, Fayette and Sanford; 
thirteenth district. Walker, Jefferson and Shelby; fourteenth district, 
Greene and Pickens ; fifteenth district, Coosa, Elmore and Chilton ; six- 
teenth district, Lowndes and Autauga ; seventeenth district, Butler and 



ALABAMA AS IT IS., 



Conecuh ; eighteenth district, Perry ; nineteenth district, Choctaw, Clarke 
and Washington ; twentieth district, Marengo ; twenty-first district, Mon- 
roe, Escambia and Baldwin ; twenty-second district, Wilcox ; twenty-third 
district, Henry, Coffee, Dale and Geneva ; twenty-fourth district, Barbour ; 
twenty-fifth district, Pike, Crenshaw, and Covington ; twenty-sixth dis- 
trict. Bullock ; tw^enty-seventh district, Lee ; twenth-eighth district, Mont- 
gomery; twenty-ninth district, Bussell; thirtieth district, Dallas; thirty- 
first district, Sumter ; thirty-second district, Hale ; thirty-third district, 
Mobile. 

ARTICLE X. 

EXEMPTED PROPERTY. 

1. The personal property of any resident of this State to the value of one 
thousand dollars, to be selected by such resident, shall be exempted from 
sale on execution, or other process of any court, issued for the collection of 
any debt contracted, since the thirteenth day of July, eighteen hundred 
and sixtj^-eight, or after the ratification of this Constitution. 

2. Every homestead, not exceeding eighty acres, and the dwelling and 
appurtenances thereon, to be selected by the owner thereof, and not in 
-any city, towii or village, »r in lieu thereof, at the option of the ow^ner, any 
lot in the city, town or village, with the dwelling and appurtenances there- 
on, OAvned aud occupied by any resident of this State, and not exceeding 
the value of two thousand dollars, shall be exempted from sale, on execu- 
tion or any other process from a court, for any debt contracted since the 
thirteenth day of July, eighteen hundred and sixty-eight, or after the 
ratification of this Constitution. Such exemption, however, shall not 
extend to any mortgage, lawfully obtained, but such mortgage or other 
Jilienation of such homestead, by the owner thereof, if a married man, 
shall not be valid without the voluntary signature and assent of the wife 
to the same. 

3. The homestead of a family after the death of the owner thereof, shall 
be exempt from the payment of any debts contracted since the thirteenth 
day of July, one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight, or after the rati- 
fication of this Constitution, in all cases, during the minority of the chil- 
dren. 

4. The provisions of sections one and two of this article shall not be so 
construed as to prevent a laborer's lien for work done and performed for 
the person claiming such exemption, or a mechanic's lien for work done on 
the premises. 

5. If the owner of a homestead die, leaving a widow, but no children, 
such homestead shall be exempt, and the rents and profits thereof shall 
inure to her benefit. 

6. The real or personal property of any female in this State, acquired 
before marriage, and all property, real and personal, to which she may 
afterwards be entitled hy gift, grant, inheritance, or devise, shall be and 
remain the separate estate and property of such female, and shall not be 
liable for any debts, obligations, and engagements of her husband, and may 
be devised or bequeathed by her, the same as if she were a fern me sole. 

7. The right of exemptions hereinbefore secured, may be waived by an 
instrument in writing, and when such waiver relates to realty, the instru- 



294 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



ment must be signed by both the husband and the wife, and attested hj 
one witness. 

ARTICLE XI. 

TAXATION. 

1. All taxes levied on property in this State, shall be assessed in exact 
proportion to the value of such property ; Provided, however, The General 
Assembly may levy a poll tax not to exceed one dollar aud fifty cents on 
each poll which shall be applied exclusively in aid of the public school 
fund, in the county so paying the same. 

2. No power to levy taxes shall be delegated to individuals or private 
corporations. 

3. After the notification of this Constitution, no new debt shall be created 
against, or incurred, by this State or its authority, except to repel invasion ^ 
or suppress insurrection, and then only by a concurrence of two-thirds of 
the members of each house of the General Assembly, and the vote shall 
be taken by yeas and nays, and entered on the journals ; and any act creat- 
ing or incurring any new debt against this State, except as herein provided 
for, shall be absolutely void ; Provided, The Governor may be authorized 
to negotiate temporary loans, never to exceed one hundred -thousand dol- 
lars, to meet deficiencies in the treasury ; and until the same is paid, na 
new loan shall be negotiated ; Provided, further. That this section shall 
not be so construeed as to prevent the issuance of bonds in adjustment of 
existing State indebtedness. 

4. The General Assembly shall not have the power to levy, in any one 
year, a greater rate of taxation than three-fourths of one per centum on 
the value of the taxable property within this State. 

5. No county in this State shall be authorized to levy a larger rate of 
taxation, in any one year, on the value of the taxable property therein 
than one-half one per centum; Provided, That to pay debts existing at the 
ratification of this Constitution, an additional rate of one-fourth of one per 
centum may be levied and collected, which shall be exclusively appropri- 
ated to the payment of such debts, or the interest thereon ; Provided 
further. That to any debt or liability now existing against any county, 
incurred for the erection of the necessary public buildings, or other ordi- 
nary county purposes, or that may hereafter be created for the erection of 
the necessary public buildings or bridges, any county may levy and collect 
such special taxes as may have been or may hereafter be authorized by 
law, which taxes so levied and collected shall be applied exclusively to the 
purposes for which the same shall have been levied and collected. 

6. The property of private corporations, associations and individuals of 
this State, shall forever be taxed at the same rate ; Provided, This section 
shall not apply to institutions or enterprises devoted exclusively to relig- 
ious, educational or charitable purposes. 

7. No city, town or other municipal corporation, other than provided for 
in this article, shall levy or collect a larger rate of taxation, in any one year, 
on the property thereof, than one-half of one per centum of the value of 

" such property, assessed for State taxation during the preceding year ; 
Provided, That for the payment of debts existing at the time of the notifi- 
cation of this constitution, and the interests thereon, an additional rate of 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



one per centum may be collected, to be applied exclusively to such indebt- 
edness : And Provided, This section shall not apply to the city of Mobile, 
which city may, until the first day of January, one thousand eight hun- 
dred and seventy-nine, levy a tax not to exceed the rate of one per centum, 
and from and after that time a tax not to exceed the rate of three-fourtb& 
of one per centum to pay expenses of the city government, and may also, 
until the first day of January, one thousand eight hundred and seventy- 
nine, levy a tax not to exceed the rate of one per centum, and from and 
after that time, a tax not to exceed the rate of three-fourths -^f one per 
centum, to pay the existing indebtedness of said city and the interest 
thereon. 

8. At the first session of the General Assembly after the ratification of 
this Constitution, the salaries of the following officers shall be reduced at 
least twenty-five per centum, viz : Governor, Secretary of State, State 
Auditor, State Treasurer, Attorney-General, Superintendent of Education, 
Judges of the Supreme and Circuit Courts, and Chancellors ; and after said 
reduction the General Assembly shall not have the power to increase the 
same except by a vote of a majority of all the members elected to each 
House, taken by yeas and nays, and entered on the journals; Provided^ 
this section shall not apply to any of said officers now in office. 

9. The General Assembly shall not have the power to require the coun- 
ties or other municipal corporations to pay any charges which are now 
payable out of the State Treasury. 

ARTICLE XII. 

1. All able-bodied male inhabitants of this State, between the ages of 
eighteen years and forty-five years, who are citizens of the United States, 
or have declared their intention to become such citizens, shall be liable to 
military duty in the militia of the State. 

2. The General Assembly, in providing for the organization, equipment, 
and discipline of the militia, shall conform as nearly as practicable to the 
regulations for the government of the armies of the United States. 

3. Each company and regiment shall elect its own company and regi- 
mental officers ; but if any company or regiment shall neglect to elect such 
officers within the time prescribed by law, they may be appointed by the 
Governor. 

4. Volunteer organizations of infantry, cavalry, and artillery may be 
formed in such manner, and under such restrictions, and with such privi- 
leges, as may be provided by law. 

5. The militia and volunteer forces shall, in all cases, except treason, 
felony and breach of the peace, be privileged from arrest during their attend- 
ance at musters, parades, and elections, and in going to and returning from 
the same. 

6. The Governor shall, except as otherwise provided herein, be com- 
mander-in-chief of the militia and volunteer forces of the State, except 
w^hen in the service of the United States, and shall, with the advice and con- 
sent of the Senate, appoint all general officers, whose terms of office shall 
be for four years. The Governor, the Generals and regimental and battal- 
ion commanders, shall appoint their own staffs, as may be provided bylaw. 



296 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



7. The General Assembly shall provide for the safe keeping of the arms, 
ammunition and accoutrements, military records, banners and relics of the 
State. 

8. The officers and men of the militia and volunteer forces shall not be 
entitled to, or receive any pay, rations or emoluments, when not in actire 
service. 

ARTICLE XIII. 

EDUCATION. 

1. The General Assembly shall establish, organize and maintain a system 
of public schools throughout the State for the equal benefit of the children 
thereof, between the ages of seven and twenty-one years; but separate 
schools shall be provided for the children of citizens of African descent. 

2. The principal of all funds arising from the sale or other disposition of 
lands or other property, v/hich has been or may hereafter be granted or 
entrusted to this State, or given by the United States for educational pur- 
poses, shall be preserved inviolate and undiminished; and the income 
arising therefrom shall be faithfulb/ applied to the specific objects of the 
original grants or appropriations. 

3. All lands or other property given by individuals, or appropriated by 
the State for educational purposes, and all estates of deceased persons, who 
die without leaving a will or heir, shall be faithfully applied to the main- 
tenance of the public schools. 

4. The General Assembly shall also provide for the levying and collection 
of an annual poll tax, not to exceed one dollar and fifty cents on each poll, 
which shall be applied to the support of the public schools in the counties 
in which it is levied and collected. 

5. The income arising from the sixteenth section trust fund, the surplus 
revenue fund, until it is called for by the United States government, and 
the funds enumerated in sections three and four of this article, with such 
other moneys, to be not less than one hundred thousand dollars per annum, 
as the General Assembly shall provide by taxation or otherwise, shall be 
applied to the support and maintenance of the public schools, and it shall 
be the duty of the General Assembly to increase, from time to time, the 
public school fund, as the condition of the Treasury and the resources of 
the State will admit. 

6. Not more than four per cent, of all moneys raised, or which may here- 
after be appropriated for the support of public schools, shall be used or 
expended otherwise than for the payment of teachers, employed in such 
schools ; Irovidedy that the General Assembly may, by a vote of two-thirds 
of each House, suspend the operation of this section. 

7. The supervision of the public schools shall be vested in a Superintend- 
ent of Education, whose powers, duties, term of office and compensation 
shall be fixed by law. The Superintendent of Education shall be elected 
by the qualified voters of the State in such manner and at such time as 
shall be provided by law. 

8. No money raised for the support of the public schools of the State, 
shall be appropriated to or used for the support of any sectarian or denomi- 
national school. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



9. The State University and the Agricultural and Mechanical College 
shall each be under the management and control of a Board of Trustees. 
The Board for the University shall consist of two members from the con- 
gressional district in which the Universit^^ is located, and one from each of 
the other congressional districts in the State. The Bo^rd for the Agricul- 
tural and Mechanical College shaU consist of two members from the con- 
gressional district in which the college is located, and one from each of the 
other congressional districts in the State. Said Trustees shall be appointed 
by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and 
shall hold office for a term of six years, and until their successors shall be 
appointed and qualified. After the first appointment each Board shall be 
divided into three classes, as nearly equal as may be. The seats of the first 
class shall be vacated at the expiration of two years, and those of the 
second class in four years, and those of the third class at the end of six 
years from the date of appointment, so that one-third may be chosen bien- 
nially. No Trustee shall receive any pay or emolument other than his 
actual expenses incurred in the discharge of l^is duties as such. The Gov- 
ernor shax be ex-officio President and the Superintendent of Education 
€x-officio a member of each of said Boards of Trustees. 

10. The General Assembly shall have no power to change the location of 
the State University or the Agricultural and Mechanical College as now 
established by law, except upon a vote of two-thirds of the General Assem- 
bly, taken by yeas and nays and entered upon the journals. 

11. The provisions of this article and of any act of the General Assembly 
passed in pursuance thereof to establish, organize and maintain a system 
of public schools throughout the State, shall apply to Mobile county only 
eo far as to authorize and require the authorities designated by law to draw 
the portion of the funds to which said county shall be entitled for school 
purposes, and to make reports to the Superintendent of Education as may 
be prescribed by law. And all special incomes and powers of taxation, as 
now authorized by law for the benefit of public schools in said county, 
shall remain undisturbed until otherwise provided by the General Assem- 
bly ; Provided^ That separate schools for each race shall always be main- 
tained by said school authorities. 

ARTICLE XIV. 

CORPORATIONS— PRIVATE CORPORATIONS. 

1. Corporations may be formed under general laws, but shall not be 
created by special act, except for municipal, manufacturing, mining, immi- 
gration, industrial and educational purposes, or for constructing canals, or 
improving navigable rivers and harbors of this State, and in cases, where 
in the judgment of the General Assembly, the objects of the corporation 
cannot be attained under general laws. All general laws and special acts 
passed pursuant to this section may be altered, amended or repealed. 

2. All existing charters or grants of special or exclusive privileges under 
which a 6ona organization shall not have taken place and business 
been commenced in good faith, at the time of the notification of this Con- 
stitution, shall thereafter have no validity. 

3. The General Assembly shall not remit the forfeiture of the charter of 



293 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



any corporation now existing, or alter or amend the same, or pass any gen- 
eral or special law for the benefit of such corporation, other than in execu- 
tion of a trust created by law or by contract, except upon the condition 
that such corporation shall thereafter hold its charter subject to the pro- 
visions of this Constitution. 

4. No foreign corporation shall do any business in this State without hav- 
ing at least one known place of business and an authorized agent or agents 
therein, and such corporation may be sued in any county where it does 
business by service of process upon an agent anywhere in this State. 

5. No corporation shall engage in any business other than that expressly 
authorized in its charter. 

6. No corporation shall issue stock or bonds except for money, labor done, 
or money or property actually received ; and all fictitious increase of stock 
or indebtedness shall be void. The stock and bonded indebtedness of cor- 
porations shall not be increased, except in pursuance of general laws, nor 
without the consent of the persons holding the larger amount in value of 
stock, first obtained at a meeting to be held after thirty days notice given 
in pursuance of law. 

7. Municipal and other corporations and individuals invested with the 
privilege of taking private property for public use, shall make just com- 
pensation for the property taken, injured or destroyed by the construction 
or enlargement of its works, highways or improvements, which compen- 
sation shall be paid before such taking, injury or destruction. The Gen- 
eral Assembly is hereby prohibited from depriving any person of an appeal 
from any preliminary assessment of damages against any such corpora- 
tions or individuals made by viewers or otherwise ; and the amount of such 
damages in all cases of appeal shall, on the demand of either party, be 
determined by a jury according to law. 

8. Dues from private corporations shall be secured by such means as may 
be prescribed by law, but in no case shall any stockholder be individually 
liable otherwise than for the unpaid stock owned by him or her. 

9. No corporation shall issue preferred stock without the consent of the 
owners of two-thirds of the stock of said corporation. 

10. The General Assembly shall have the power to alter, revoke or amend 
any charter of incorporation now existing, and revocable at the ratification 
of this Constitution, or any that may hereafter be created, whenever, in 
their opinion, it may be injurious to the citizens of this State, in such man- 
ner, however, that no injustice shall be done to the incorporators. No law 
hereafter enacted shall create, renew or extend the charter of more than 
one corporation. 

11. Any association or corporation organized for the purpose, or any indi- 
vidual shall have the right to construct and maintain lines of telegraph 
within this State, and connect the same with other lines, and the General 
Assembly shall, by general law of uniform operation, provide reasonable 
regulations to give full effect to this section. No telegraph company shall 
consolidate with or hold a controlling interest in the stock or bonds of any 
other telegraph company owning a competing line, or acquire, by purchase 
or otherwise, any other competing line of telegraph. 

12. All corporations shall have the right to sue, and shall be subject to be 
sued, in all courts in like cases as natural persons. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



13. The term corporation, as used in this article, shall be construed to 
include all joint stock companies, or any associations having any of the 
powers or privileges of corporations not possessed by individuals or part- 
nerships. 

BANKS AND BANKING. 

14. The General Assembly shall not have the power to establish or incor- 
porate any bank or banking companj^, or moneyed institution, for the pur- 
pose of issuing bills of credit, or bills payable to order or bearer, except 
under the conditions prescribed in this Constitution. 

15. No banks shall be established otherwise than under a general bank- 
ing law, nor otherwise than upon a specie basis. 

16. All bills or notes issued as money, shall be at all times redeemable in 
gold or silver, and no law shall be passed sanctioning, directly or indirectly, 
the suspension by any bank or banking company of specie payment. 

17. Holders of bank notes and depositors who have not stipulated for 
interest, shall, for such notes and deposits, be entitled in case of insolvency, 
to the preference of payment over all other creditors. 

18. Every bank or banking company shall be required to cease all bank- 
ing operaitons within twenty years from the time of its organization, 
(unless the Generall Assembly shall extend the time,) and promptly there- 
after close its business ; but shall have corporate capacity to sue and shall 
be liable to suit until its affairs and liabilities are fully closed. 

19. No bank shall receive directly or indirectly, a greater rate of interest 
tha n shall be allowed by law to individuals for lending money. 

20. The State shall not be a stockholder in any bank, nor shall the credit 
of the State ever be given, or loaned, to any banking company, association 
or corporation. 

RAILROADS AND CANALS. 

21. All railroads and canals shall be public highways, and all railroad and ' 
canal companies shall be common carriers. Any association or corporation 
organized for the purpose shall have the sight to construct and operate a 
railroad between any points in this State, and connect at the State line, 
with railroads of other States. Every railroad company shall have the 
right with its road to intersect, connect with, or cross any other railroad, 
and shall receive and transport, each, tJie other's freight, passengers and 
cars, loaded or empty, without delay or discrimination. 

22. The General Assembly shall pass laws to correct abuses and prevent 
unjust discrimination and extortion in the rates of freights and passenger 
tariffs on railroads, canals and rivers in this State. 

23. No railroad or other transportatation company shall grant free passes, 
or sell tickets or passes at a discount other than as sold to the public gen- 
erally, to any member of the General Assembly, or to any person holding 
office under this State or the United States. 

24. No street passenger railway shall be constructed within the limits of 
any city or town, without the consent of its local authorities. 

25. No railroad, canal or other transportation company in existence at 
the time of the ratification of this Constitution, shall have the benefit of 
any future legislation, by general or special laws, other than in executioR 



30O 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



of a trust created by law or by contract, except on the conditioD of com- 
plete acceptance of all provisions of this article. 

ARTICLE XV. 

OATH OF OFFICE. 

1. All members of the General Assembly, and all officers, executive and 
judicial, before they enter upon the execution of the duties of their respec- 
tive offices, shall take the following oath or affirmation, to wit : 

"I, , soiemly swear, [or affirm, as the case may be] thai I 

will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of 
the State of Alabama, so long as I continue a citizen thereof, and that I 
will faithfully and honestly discharge the duties of the office upon which 
I am about to enter to the >best of my ability, so help me God." Which 
oath may be administered by the presiding officer of either House of the 
General Assembly, or any officer authorized by law to administer an oath. 

AtolCLE XVI. 

MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. 

1. No person holding an office of profit under the United States, except 
postmasters whose annual salary does not exceed two hundred dollars, 
shall, during his continuance in such office, hold any office of profit under 

\ this State ; nor shall any person hold two offices of profit at one and the 
same time under this State, except justices of the peace, constables, nota- 
ries public and commissioners of deeds. 

2. It is made the duty of the General Assembly to enact all laws necessa- 
ry to give eflfect to the provisions of this Constitution. 

ARTICLE XVII. 

MODE OF AMENDING THE CONSTITUTION. 

1. The General Assembly may, whenever two-thirds of each house shall 
deem it necessary, propose amendments to this Constitution, which having 
been read on three several days, in each house, shall be duly published in 
such manner as the General Assembly may direct, at least three months 
before the next general election for Representatives, for the consideration 
of the people ; and it shall be the duty of the several returning officers, at 
the next general election which shall be held for Representatives, to open 
a poll for the vote of the qualified electors on the proposed amendments, 
and to make a return of said vote to the Secretary of State ; and if it shall 
thereupon appear that a majority of all the qualified electors of the State, 
who voted at such election, voted in favor of the proposed amendments, 
said amendments shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of this 
Constitution, and the result of such election shall be made known by proc- 
lamation of the Governor. 

2. No convention shall hereafter be held for the purpose of altering or 
amending the Constitution of this State, unless the question of Convention, 
or no Convention, shall be first submitted to a vote of all the electors of the 
State, and approved by a majority of those roting at said election. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



301 



SCHEDULE. • 

In order that no injury or inconvenience may arise from the alterations 
and amendments made by this Constitution to the existing Constitution of 
this State, and to carry this Constitution into effect, it is hereby ordained 
and declared, 1st. That all laws in force at the ratification of this Constitu- 
tion, and not inconsistent therewith, shall remain in full force, unti . altered 
or repealed by the General Assembly ; and all rights, actions, prosecutions, 
claims and contracts, of this State, counties, individuals or bodies corpor- 
ate, not inconsistent with this Constitution, shall continiie to be as valid 
as if this Constitution had not been ratified. 

2. That all bonds executed by or to any officer of this State, all recog- 
nizances, obligations, and all other instruments executed to this State, or 
any subdivision or municipality thereof, before the ratification of this 
Constitution, and all fines, taxes, penalties and forfeitures due and owing 
to this State, or any subdivision, or any municipality thereof ; and all 
writs, suits, prosecutions, claims and causes of action, except as herein 
otherwise provided, shall continue and remain unafiTected by the ratifica- 
tion of 1 his Constitution. All indictments which may have been found, 
or which may hereafter be found, for any crime or offense committed before 
the ratification of this Constitution, shall be proceeded upon in the same 
manner as if this Constitution had not been ratified. 

3. That all the executive and judicial officers, and all other officers in 
this State who shall have been elected at the election held in this State, on 
third day of November, eighteen hundred and seventy-four, or who may 
have been appointed since that time, and all members of the present Gen- 
eral Assembly, and all that may hereafter be elected members of the pres- 
ent General Assembly, and all other officers holding office at the time of 
the ratification of this Constitution, except such as hold office under any • 
act of the General Assembly, shall continue in office, and exercise the 
duties thereof until their respective terms shall expire, as provided by the 
present Constitution and laws of this State. 

4. This Constitution shall be submitted to the qualified electors of this 
State for ratification or rejection, as authorized and required by an act of 
the General Assembly of this State, entitled, "An act to provide for the 
calling of a Convention to revise and amend the Constitution of this State." 
approved nineteenth day of March, A. D., eighteen hundred and seventy- 
five. 

6. That instead of the publication as required by section twelve of said 
Act, the Governor of the State, is hereby authorized to take such steps as 
will give general publicity and circulation to this Constitution in as eco- 
nomical manner as practicable. 

7. That all laws requiring an enumeration of the inhabitants of this State 
during the year eighteen hundred and seventy-five, are hereby ^voided. 

8. That the Board of Education of this State is hereby abolished. 

9. The salaries of the Executive and Judicial and all other officers of this 
State who may be holding office at the time of the ratification of this Con- 
stitution, and the pay of the present members of the General Assembly, 
shall not be affected by the provisions of this Constitution. 

LEROY POPE WALKER, President. 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



INDEX. 



Abbeville, Town of 217 

Agricultural and Mech. College. 98 
Agricultural Exp'ment Station. 98 
Alabama, Traditions of. ... . 8 
Alabama, Position of. .... , 9 

Alabama, Outline of. 8 

Alabama, Area of 8 

Alabama, Population of ... . 9 
Alabama, General Topo'phy of. 9 
Alabama, Extent of Sea coast of. 9 

Alabama, Soils of 9 

Alabama, Climate of 9 

Alabama, Natural Divisions of. 10 
Alabama, Varied Climate of. . . 232 

Alabama, River 267 

Anniston, City of 87 

Autauga, County of 145 

Baldwin, County of 184 

Barbour, County of 169 

Bessemer, Town of. 67 

Bibb, County of 108 

Birmingham, City of 63 

Birmingham, Public Schools of. 258 

Black Warrior River 266 

Blount, County of 59 

Bullock, county of 162 

Butler, County of 196 

Cahaba, Coal Fields of. 45 

Oahaba, River of -268 

Calera, Town of 70 

Calhoun, County of 85 

Capitol 154 

Cereal Belt. 11 

Chambers, County of 94 

Cherokee, County of 83 

Chattahoochee, River of. . . . . 269 

Chilton, County of 103 

Choctaw, County of 125 

Choctawhatchee River 270 

Clarke, County of 186 

Clay, County of 90 



Cleburne, County of. 88 

Coffee, County of 208 

Constitution of Alabama. . . . 273 

Conecuh, County of 193 

Coosa, County of 101 

Coosa Coal Field. . 45 

Cotton Belt 116 

Covington, County of 200 

Crenshaw, County of. 202 

Cullman, County of 56 

Cullman, Town of 58 

Dale, County of 213 

Dallas, County of 140 

Decatur, Town of 35 

DeKalb, County of. 81 

Elmore, County of 160 

Escambia, County of 190 

Etowah, County of. 78 

Eufaula, Town of 171 

Evergreen, Town of 195 

Fayette, County of 112 

Flora 229 

Florence, Town of 16 

Franklin, County of 47 

Gadsden, Town of 80 

Geneva, County of 210 

Greene, County of 128 

GreenviUe, Town of 198 

Greensboro, Town of 132 

Guntersville, Town of 31 

Hale, County of . . 130 

Healthfulness of Alabama . . . 219 

Henry, County of 215 

Howard College 67 

Huntsville, City of 26 

Iron 46 

Jackson, County of 27 

Jacksonville, Town of 88 

Jefferson, County of 61 

Lamar, County of 114 

Lauderdale, County of 13 



304 



ALABAMA AS IT IS. 



Lawrence, County of 39 

Lee, County of 96 

Limestone, County of 21 

Lowndes, County of . . . 148 

Macon, County of 165 

Madison, County of ..... - 23 

Marengo, County of ..... . 133 

Marion, County of 49 

Marshall, County of 30 

Medical Association of State . . 250 

Mineral Waters 250 

Mineral Belt 44 

Mobile, County of 180 

Mobile, City of 181 

Mobile Kiver 264 

Monroe, County of 188 

Montgonaery, County of . . . . 150 

Montgomery, City of 153 

Morgan, County of ..... . 33 

Mortality, Statistics of .... . 241 

Noxubee River 267 

Opelika, Town of . 98 

Perry, County of 143 

Pickens, County of 120 



Pike, County of . . 205 

Public School System of Ala . 254 

Randolph, County of 92. 

Rainfall. 23T 

River System of Alabama . . . 263 

Russell, County of 167 

Shelby, County of ...... . 68 

Sipsey River 266 

Southern University 131 

State University 107 

St. Clair, County of 74 

Sumter, County of 123 

Talladega, County of . . . .71 

Talladega, Town of 73 

Tallapoosa, County of .... . 99 

Tallapoosa River 269 

Tennessee River 263 

Tombigbee River ....... 264 

Tuscaloosa, County of 105 

Tuscaloosa, Town of 107 

Walker, County of 54 

Washington, County of ... . 178 

Wilcox, County of 136 

Winston, County of 51 



